Electrical engineering

Physics

Aerospace engineering

Nonlinear system

Topology (electrical circuits)

Intersection (aeronautics)

Metamaterial

Engineering

Acoustic metamaterials

Floquet theory

Quantum mechanics

Nature Reviews Materials

Topological acoustics is an emerging field that lies at the intersection of condensed matter physics, mechanical structural design and acoustics engineering. It explores the design and construction of novel artificial structures, such as acoustic metamaterials and phononic crystals, to manipulate sound waves robustly, taking advantage of topological protection. Early work on topological acoustics was limited to duplicating topological phases that have been understood in condensed matter systems, but recent advances have shifted to exploring new topological concepts that are difficult to realize in other physical systems, such as various topological semimetal phases, and topological phases associated with Floquet engineering, fragile topology, non-Hermiticity and synthetic dimensions. These developments demonstrate the unique advantages of topological acoustic systems and their role in developing topological physics. In this Review, we survey the fundamental mechanisms, basic designs and practical realizations of topological phases in acoustic systems and provide an overview of future directions and potential applications. The introduction of topology into acoustic platforms enables robust sound control. This Review discusses the fundamental mechanisms, basic designs, practical realizations and promising future directions for topological acoustic systems.

Topological acoustics