Measurement of the Zak phase of photonic bands through the interface states of a metasurface/photonic crystal.

The Zak phase labels the topological property of one-dimensional Bloch bands. Here we propose a scheme and experimentally measure the Zak phase in a photonic system. The Zak phase of a bulk band is related to the topological properties of the two band gaps sandwiching this band, which in turn can be inferred from the existence or absence of an interface state. Using a reflection spectrum measurement, we determined the existence of interface states in the gaps and then obtained the Zak phases. The knowledge of Zak phases can also help us predict the existence of interface states between a metasurface and a photonic crystal. By manipulating the property of the metasurface, we can further tune the excitation frequency and the polarization of the interface state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]