# LEAPS-MPS: Photonic Topological Edge States on Sharply Joined or Truncated Materials

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · DePaul University (IL) · $164,403

## Abstract

Topological insulators, first discovered in the context of electronics, are materials whose interiors behave like insulators and whose surfaces behave like conductors—that is, waves can travel on the surface but not in the bulk. The surface waves in topological insulators, also known as edge states, are remarkably robust against environmental disturbances and manufacturing defects, making them valuable for transmitting information and energy. Photonic topological insulators are topological insulators for electromagnetic waves, which can be used to make compact and efficient on-chip devices for communication and data processing, and are also utilized in optical isolators, topological lasers, uncompressed video, and ultra-thin electrical shielding components. Photonic topological insulators with sharp interfaces and edges are easy to manufacture, but they have not been addressed in current models in many important contexts. This project investigates photonic topological insulators involving sharp interfaces and edges, which will guide the design and simplify the manufacturing process for photonic devices. This project also provides abundant opportunities for student learning, training, and research. 

This project aims to show the existence and characterize the behavior of the edge states in photonic topological insulators involving sharp interfaces or edges, within the framework of partial differential equations. The specific objectives include: (1) Identifying edge states o

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2532730
- **Awardee organization:** DePaul University (IL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** MNZ8KMRWTDB6
- **PI:** Wei Li
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE
- **Estimated total:** $164,403
- **Funds obligated:** $164,403
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2532730

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2532730, LEAPS-MPS: Photonic Topological Edge States on Sharply Joined or Truncated Materials. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2532730. Licensed CC0.

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