Photonic realization of the deformed Dirac equation via the segmented graphene nanoribbons under inhomogeneous strain

Abstract

ABSTRACT Starting from an engineered periodic optical structure formed by waveguide arrays comprised of two interleaved lattices, we simulate a deformed Dirac equation. We show that the system also simulates graphene nanoribbons under strain. This optical analogue allows us to study the phenomenon of Zitterbewegung for the modified Dirac equation. Our results show that the amplitude of Zitterbewegung oscillations changes as the deformation parameter is changed.