Circuit realization of topological physics

TL;DR

This review discusses how topolectrical circuits (TECs) serve as versatile platforms for exploring various topological phases of matter, including unconventional states, with advantages in fabrication and potential applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of circuit realizations of topological states, including recent advances in unconventional topological phenomena and future prospects.

Findings

Observation of non-Hermitian topological states in circuits

Implementation of higher-order topological insulators

Circuits enable exploration of complex topological phenomena

Abstract

Recently, topolectrical circuits (TECs) boom in studying the topological states of matter. The resemblance between circuit Laplacians and tight-binding models in condensed matter physics allows for the exploration of exotic topological phases on the circuit platform. In this review, we begin by presenting the basic equations for the circuit elements and units, along with the fundamentals and experimental methods for TECs. Subsequently, we retrospect the main literature in this field, encompassing the circuit realization of (higher-order) topological insulators and semimetals. Due to the abundant electrical elements and flexible connections, many unconventional topological states like the non-Hermitian, nonlinear, non-Abelian, non-periodic, non-Euclidean, and higher-dimensional topological states that are challenging to observe in conventional condensed matter physics, have been observed in circuits and summarized in this review. Furthermore, we show the capability of electrical circuits for exploring the physical phenomena in other systems, such as photonic and magnetic ones. Importantly, we highlight TEC systems are convenient for manufacture and miniaturization because of their compatibility with the traditional integrated circuits. Finally, we prospect the future directions in this exciting field, and connect the emerging TECs with the development of topology physics, (meta)material designs, and device applications.