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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Preprint |
| Published: |
2026
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.02675 |
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| _version_ | 1866911356380250112 |
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| author | Wang, Guangfeng Feng, Juan Zheng, Tong Shen, Yijie Chen, Xianfeng Wang, Bo |
| author_facet | Wang, Guangfeng Feng, Juan Zheng, Tong Shen, Yijie Chen, Xianfeng Wang, Bo |
| contents | We introduce quasi-symmetry groups in optics emerging from the commutation between mirror operation and the spin-orbit interaction (SOI) of light. Contrary to the principle of symmetry inheritance in free-space optics, where the symmetry of any structured field is strictly constrained by that of its source, we show that strong SOI enables quasi-symmetry-protected formation of meron lattices even when the underlying optical sources violate the nominal rotational symmetry. By analyzing the Hermiticity of the electric-dipole radiation amplitude in a circular polarization basis, we derive an effective mirror operator acting only on a subset of C3 polarized dipole emitters, forming a quasi-symmetry group that commutes with SOI. This quasi-symmetry guarantees exact C3 merons and gives rise to a robust polarization zone within which continuously varying input polarizations generate identical topological textures. Our work establishes quasi-symmetry as a new fundamental principle in optical physics and opens pathways to engineered topological structures of light beyond conventional symmetry constraints. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2601_02675 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Optical Quasi-symmetry Groups for Meron Lattices Wang, Guangfeng Feng, Juan Zheng, Tong Shen, Yijie Chen, Xianfeng Wang, Bo Optics We introduce quasi-symmetry groups in optics emerging from the commutation between mirror operation and the spin-orbit interaction (SOI) of light. Contrary to the principle of symmetry inheritance in free-space optics, where the symmetry of any structured field is strictly constrained by that of its source, we show that strong SOI enables quasi-symmetry-protected formation of meron lattices even when the underlying optical sources violate the nominal rotational symmetry. By analyzing the Hermiticity of the electric-dipole radiation amplitude in a circular polarization basis, we derive an effective mirror operator acting only on a subset of C3 polarized dipole emitters, forming a quasi-symmetry group that commutes with SOI. This quasi-symmetry guarantees exact C3 merons and gives rise to a robust polarization zone within which continuously varying input polarizations generate identical topological textures. Our work establishes quasi-symmetry as a new fundamental principle in optical physics and opens pathways to engineered topological structures of light beyond conventional symmetry constraints. |
| title | Optical Quasi-symmetry Groups for Meron Lattices |
| topic | Optics |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.02675 |