Higher-order topological states in dual-band valley sonic crystals

Abstract

As a quantum state of frequency extrema in the momentum space of acoustic systems, sonic valley pseudospin provides a new degree of freedom for controlling acoustic waves. Higher-order topological insulators (HOTIs) have extended the traditional bulk-edge correspondence principle and are a crucial concept for classic wave regulation. However, HOTIs in valley sonic crystals (VSCs) only appear in a single bandgap, which limits the multi-frequency selectivity of the corner state and is not conducive to the design of multi-frequency acoustic communication devices. Here, we demonstrate “Y-shaped” acoustic crystals with C3 symmetry that form a double-band VSC, and the topological phase transitions in both low- and high-frequency band gaps coincide. We realize theoretically and experimentally higher-order states in dual-band valley sonic crystals. Our work enriches the application of HOTIs in acoustic multi-frequency regulatory systems and provides different avenues for designing of multi-band acoustic devices.