Geometric control of next-nearest-neighbor coupling in evanescently coupled dielectric waveguides

We experimentally demonstrate that the next-nearest-neighbor-coupling (NNN-coupling) in an array of waveguides can naturally be negative. To do so, dielectric zig-zag shaped waveguide arrays are fabricated with direct laser writing (DLW). By changing the angle of the zig-zag shape it is possible to tune between positive and negative ratios of nearest and next-nearest-neighbor coupling, which also allows to reduce the impact of the NNN-coupling to zero at the correct respective angle. We confirm the existence of negative NNN-couplings experimentally and show the improved accuracy of a refined tight-binding model. Our results are also of importance for other discrete systems in which the tight-binding model is often used.