Non-integer optical modes in a M\"obius-ring resonator

Abstract

In-plane polarized light experiences a non-trivial topological evolution as it propagates resonantly in a M\"obius ring resonator. The resultant geometric phase varies continuously when changing the light ellipticity, which leads to constructive interference for a non-integer number of wavelengths, and therefore to the occurrence of an arbitrary fractional number of optical modes. The geometric phase in M\"obius-ring resonators is topologically robust and implies excellent intrinsic fault-tolerance.