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Nonlocality-enabled photonic analogies of parallel spaces, wormholes and multiple realities

Author

Listed:
  • Tongtong Song

    (Nanjing University)

  • Yongxin Jing

    (Nanjing University)

  • Changhui Shen

    (Nanjing University)

  • Hongchen Chu

    (Nanjing Normal University)

  • Jie Luo

    (Soochow University)

  • Runqi Jia

    (Nanjing University)

  • Cong Wang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Meng Xiao

    (Wuhan University)

  • Zhao-Qing Zhang

    (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

  • Ruwen Peng

    (Nanjing University)

  • Mu Wang

    (Nanjing University)

  • C. T. Chan

    (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

  • Yun Lai

    (Nanjing University)

Abstract

The concepts of the multiverse and wormholes in dimensions beyond our physical space have long captivated curiosity and imagination, yet experimental demonstrations remain elusive. In this work, we employ nonlocal artificial materials to construct a photonic analogy of parallel spaces, where two distinct effective optical media coexist within a single artificial material, each accessible through different material boundaries. Enhanced by deep learning, this method further enables the analogies of two fascinating phenomena: photonic wormholes as invisible optical tunnels, and photonic multiple realities, where two different optical devices or scatterers function independently at the same location as if they exist in separate dimensions. Our findings empower optical designs to transcend the limitations of physical dimensions effectively, paving the way for an unprecedented degree of freedom in multiplexing.

Suggested Citation

  • Tongtong Song & Yongxin Jing & Changhui Shen & Hongchen Chu & Jie Luo & Runqi Jia & Cong Wang & Meng Xiao & Zhao-Qing Zhang & Ruwen Peng & Mu Wang & C. T. Chan & Yun Lai, 2025. "Nonlocality-enabled photonic analogies of parallel spaces, wormholes and multiple realities," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63981-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63981-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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