Self-Shielded Topological Receiver Protectors

Merging concepts from topological photonics with that of self-induced violation of time-reversal symmetry emerging from nonlinear losses, the authors aim to design receiver protectors (RPs) that shield sensitive electronics from high-power radiation. The proposed RPs are transparent to low-power incident signals, yet self-protected against electrical breakdown and overheating due to high-power input, which triggers an underdamping-to-overdamping transition and complete reflection of the incident radiation. Such an RP can be utilized to safeguard a broad range of sensitive communication systems, including radar and lidar installations and reflection altimeters.