Observation of topological edge modes in bianisotropic metamaterials

Abstract

Existence of robust edge modes at interfaces of topologically distinct systems is one of the most fascinating manifestations of a novel nontrivial state of matter, topological insulators. Such states were originally predicted and discovered in condensed matter physics, but they find their counterparts in different fields of physics, including classical waves and electromagnetics. Here, by employing the near-field scanning techniques, we demonstrate experimentally the topologically robust propagation of electromagnetic waves in bianisotropic metamaterials. A lattice of deliberately engineered metamolecules endows electromagnetic waves with topological protection which allow guiding around sharp corners without back reflection and leakage to radiation. Show more