Topological waveguides are a recent development in physics, allowing for unique ways to manipuate elastic energy.
The video shows the distinct response to a dynamic excitation of an elastic plate (example, steel) and a lattice, with a unit cell as in the inset.
The lattice supports topologically protected helical edge waves, that do not scatter at corners and propagate only in the clockwise direction
Our approach involved learning lessons from quantum mechanics to derive mechanical models using discete and continuous elastic media, culminating in the first experimental demonstration of such waves in continuous elastic media
Video shows both the discrete model and its experimental realization in continuous elastic media
Journal publications