Optical skyrmion lattice in evanescent electromagnetic fields

Generating a lattice of optical skyrmions The topological properties of systems can be robust to defects and imperfections. Skyrmions are one such topological entity, which resemble “hedgehog-like” structures. Tsesses et al. controlled the interference of plasmon polaritons on a patterned metallic surface to generate a lattice of optical skyrmions. Such control could potentially optically mimic complex condensed matter systems or help in the development of robust optical communications and circuits. Science , this issue p. 993