Localized dynamics arising from multiple flat bands in a decorated photonic Lieb lattice

Abstract: Photonic lattices have emerged as a promising approach to localize light in space, for example, through topologically protected edge states and Aharonov-Bohm caging. They are of particular importance in the study of flat band systems via the associated nondiffracting compact localized states. However, such states typically appear static, thus not allowing adaptive or evolutionary features of light localization. Here we report on the first experimental realization of an oscillating compact localized state (OCLS). We observe an oscillatory intensity beating during propagation in a two-dimensional photonic decorated Lieb lattice. The photonic system is realized by direct femtosecond laser writing and hosts multiple flat bands at different eigenenergies in its band structure. Our results open new avenues for evolution dynamics in the up to now static phenomenon of light localization in periodic waveguide structures.