Several topological phases and their realization in classical wave systems

The concept of topological phases has significantly reshaped our understanding of condensed matter physics. In recent years, there has been a growing realization that these exotic phases can also manifest in classical wave systems, offering a novel platform for exploring topological phases. This the...

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Main Author: Wang, Zihao
Other Authors: Zhang Baile
Format: Thesis-Doctor of Philosophy
Language:English
Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10356/173589
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author Wang, Zihao
author2 Zhang Baile
author_facet Zhang Baile
Wang, Zihao
author_sort Wang, Zihao
collection NTU
description The concept of topological phases has significantly reshaped our understanding of condensed matter physics. In recent years, there has been a growing realization that these exotic phases can also manifest in classical wave systems, offering a novel platform for exploring topological phases. This thesis delves into the exploration and characterization of kinds of novel topological phases in classical wave systems including photonic and acoustic crystals. To begin, we offer a thorough historical examination of the topological phases of matter, delving into the evolution of these phases in classical wave systems. Subsequently, our discussion shifts to higher-order topological phases, semimetal phases, and phases augmented by gauge fields. By combining the concepts of topological semimetal phase and higher-order topological phase, a higher-order Dirac semimetal that can support a hinge state in a three dimensional structure is demonstrated in a photonic crystal. The hinge state appears when the system is in the topological nontrivial phase, as evidenced by the linear Dirac point splits, and regenerates when kz changes. However, in addition to linear dispersion, various types of degeneracy points can develop in topological insulators. In the following work, a quadratic surface state supported by a topological insulator without spin-orbit coupling is demonstrated in a photonic crystal. This state can spread on the surface between the sample and the air without any cladding, indicating a promising use. Then, two works in acoustic crystals reveal topologically protected braiding, such as Möbius loop and three staggered braidings in the insulating gap. When a Z2 gauge is applied to the lattice, the original symmetry will be projectively enriched and presented giving out such novel states at the edge. Finally, a summary and perspective for future directions and ideas are presented. These works not only illustrate multiple unique topological phases in classical wave systems, but also pave the path for the use of topologically protected systems in communication, sensing, and other applications.
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spelling ntu-10356/1735892024-03-07T08:52:06Z Several topological phases and their realization in classical wave systems Wang, Zihao Zhang Baile School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences blzhang@ntu.edu.sg Physics The concept of topological phases has significantly reshaped our understanding of condensed matter physics. In recent years, there has been a growing realization that these exotic phases can also manifest in classical wave systems, offering a novel platform for exploring topological phases. This thesis delves into the exploration and characterization of kinds of novel topological phases in classical wave systems including photonic and acoustic crystals. To begin, we offer a thorough historical examination of the topological phases of matter, delving into the evolution of these phases in classical wave systems. Subsequently, our discussion shifts to higher-order topological phases, semimetal phases, and phases augmented by gauge fields. By combining the concepts of topological semimetal phase and higher-order topological phase, a higher-order Dirac semimetal that can support a hinge state in a three dimensional structure is demonstrated in a photonic crystal. The hinge state appears when the system is in the topological nontrivial phase, as evidenced by the linear Dirac point splits, and regenerates when kz changes. However, in addition to linear dispersion, various types of degeneracy points can develop in topological insulators. In the following work, a quadratic surface state supported by a topological insulator without spin-orbit coupling is demonstrated in a photonic crystal. This state can spread on the surface between the sample and the air without any cladding, indicating a promising use. Then, two works in acoustic crystals reveal topologically protected braiding, such as Möbius loop and three staggered braidings in the insulating gap. When a Z2 gauge is applied to the lattice, the original symmetry will be projectively enriched and presented giving out such novel states at the edge. Finally, a summary and perspective for future directions and ideas are presented. These works not only illustrate multiple unique topological phases in classical wave systems, but also pave the path for the use of topologically protected systems in communication, sensing, and other applications. Doctor of Philosophy 2024-02-16T02:04:45Z 2024-02-16T02:04:45Z 2024 Thesis-Doctor of Philosophy Wang, Z. (2024). Several topological phases and their realization in classical wave systems. Doctoral thesis, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. https://hdl.handle.net/10356/173589 https://hdl.handle.net/10356/173589 10.32657/10356/173589 en This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). application/pdf Nanyang Technological University
spellingShingle Physics
Wang, Zihao
Several topological phases and their realization in classical wave systems
title Several topological phases and their realization in classical wave systems
title_full Several topological phases and their realization in classical wave systems
title_fullStr Several topological phases and their realization in classical wave systems
title_full_unstemmed Several topological phases and their realization in classical wave systems
title_short Several topological phases and their realization in classical wave systems
title_sort several topological phases and their realization in classical wave systems
topic Physics
url https://hdl.handle.net/10356/173589
work_keys_str_mv AT wangzihao severaltopologicalphasesandtheirrealizationinclassicalwavesystems