Abstract: Described is a method of controlling the absorption of light in a cavity, a system in which absorption is so controlled, and an interferometer embodying the underlying physical concept. Materials can be made to completely absorb incident light when the light is imposed in a specific pattern of illumination. Coherent perfect absorption, as the process is referred to, is achieved when a cavity is illuminated coherently and monochromatically by the time-reverse of the output of a lasing mode. Varying the parameters of the incident light and/or of the cavity allows the absorption of the incident light by the cavity to be controlled; enhanced or even reduced.

Abstract: Described is a method of controlling the absorption of light in a cavity, a system in which absorption is so controlled, and an interferometer embodying the underlying physical concept. Materials can be made to completely absorb incident light when the light is imposed in a specific pattern of illumination. Coherent perfect absorption, as the process is referred to, is achieved when a cavity is illuminated coherently and monochromatically by the time-reverse of the output of a lasing mode. Varying the parameters of the incident light and/or of the cavity allows the absorption of the incident light by the cavity to be controlled; enhanced or even reduced.

Abstract: A waveguide structure is provided. The waveguide structure includes a photonic crystal structure comprising gyromagnetic materials arranged in a two-dimensional lattice formation that exhibits a plurality of one-way modes produced as a result of magneto-optic effects. One or more confining barriers are positioned around the photonic crystal structure so as to allow the one-way modes to propagate through the photonic crystal structure. One or more radiation sources are positioned in or around the photonic crystal structure so as to couple electromagnetic energy into and out of the waveguide. One or more static external magnetic field sources induce the magneto-optic effects such that the one-way modes are allowed to propagate in one direction in the photonic crystal structure.