Observation of Edge Waves in a Two-Dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger Acoustic Network

Abstract

Ignoring the bumps along the road: The study of topological properties of wave propagation has become intense, due to the appealing prospect of transmission that is robust against defects. Designing simple structures that exhibit nontrivial topological phases is essential for innovative device applications, such as splitters and isolators. Here the authors show that topological edge waves can exist in a simple acoustic network of air channels. A theoretical model from condensed matter physics and corresponding numerical simulations are provided in great detail to analyze the topological edge waves seen in experiments.