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Electromagnetic (EM) waves propagating through an inhomogeneous mediuminevitably scatter whenever electromagnetic properties of the medium change onthe scale of a single wavelength. This fundamental phenomenon constrains howoptical structures are designed and interfaced with each other. Recenttheoretical work indicates that electromagnetic structures collectively knownas photonic topological insulators (PTIs) can be employed to overcome thisfundamental limitation, thereby paving the way for ultra-compact photonicstructures that no longer have to be wavelength-scale smooth. Here we presentthe first experimental demonstration of a photonic delay line based ontopologically protected surface electromagnetic waves (TPSWs) between two PTIswhich are the EM counterparts of the quantum spin-Hall topological insulatorsin condensed matter. Unlike conventional guided EM waves that do not benefitfrom topological protection, TPSWs are shown to experience multi-wavelengthreflection-free time delays when detoured around sharply-curved paths, thusoffering a unique paradigm for compact and efficient wave buffers and otherdevices.

Experimental Realization of a Reflections-Free Compact Delay Line Based on a Photonic Topological Insulator