Selective Topological Pumping for Robust, Efficient, and Asymmetric Sound Energy Transfer in a Dynamically Coupled Cavity Chain

One-way sound-wave propagation has been a research hotspot in acoustics during the past decade, with the production of acoustic diode, acoustic topological insulator, and parity-time-symmetric acoustic metamaterial. Here, we investigate topological pumping for sound waves in a coupled cavity chain along selective paths driven by dynamic modulation. We first showcase the adiabatic passage of sound energy in a heterostructured Su-Schrieffer-Heeger cavity chain. By solving the Dirac-like governing equation, we calculate the eigenspectrum of this model and prove the existence of a topologically protected interface state and end states. From the eigenspectrum, if no level crossing exists, energy transfer of the sound wave (or acoustic topological pumping) is reversed under adiabatic modulation, leading to the release and return of sound energy for a specific topological state. However, when the level crossing occurs, we find that topological pumping between the interface state and end states can be selectively excited, rendering complete transfer of the sound energy between two topological states. Moreover, topological pumping of sound waves can exist along the asymmetric paths under driven modulation. Our work has promising applications for robust, selective, and efficient sound energy transfer in acoustic network systems.

Automated summary

Research on topological pumping of sound waves has been a hot topic in acoustics in the past decade, demonstrating the movement of sound energy in cavity chains and the existence of topological states. Level crossing can result in complete transfer of sound energy, while no crossing leads to reversal and return of sound energy.