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Backscattering-free edge states below all bands in two-dimensional auxetic media

Author

Listed:
  • Wenting Cheng

    (University of Michigan)

  • Kai Qian

    (University of California San Diego)

  • Nan Cheng

    (University of Michigan)

  • Nicholas Boechler

    (University of California San Diego
    University of California San Diego)

  • Xiaoming Mao

    (University of Michigan)

  • Kai Sun

    (University of Michigan)

Abstract

Unidirectional and backscattering-free propagation of sound waves is of fundamental interest in physics and highly sought-after in engineering. Current strategies utilize topologically protected chiral edge modes in bandgaps, or complex mechanisms involving active constituents or nonlinearity. Here we propose passive, linear, one-way edge states based on spin-momentum locking of Rayleigh waves in two-dimensional media in the limit of vanishing bulk to shear modulus ratio, which provides perfect unidirectional and backscattering-free edge propagation that is immune to any edge roughness and has no limitation on its frequency (instead of residing in gaps between bulk bands). We further show that such modes are characterized by a topological winding number that protects the linear momentum of the wave along the edge. These passive and backscattering-free edge waves have the potential to enable phononic devices in the form of lattices or continua that work in previously inaccessible frequency ranges.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenting Cheng & Kai Qian & Nan Cheng & Nicholas Boechler & Xiaoming Mao & Kai Sun, 2025. "Backscattering-free edge states below all bands in two-dimensional auxetic media," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57518-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57518-x
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