Project description
Tried and true radio-frequency circuits take advantage of exotic phenomena
The term 'topological effects' has become synonymous with exotic and exciting properties of materials. Topological phases of matter, for which the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded, are robust in the sense that their properties remain stable despite impurities, deformations or 'defects'. Topological circuits have recently emerged as an ideal platform for the experimental exploration of topological effects. The EU-funded Topo-circuit project will develop novel 2D and 3D radio-frequency (RF) topological circuits featuring higher-order topological corner states, and non-Hermitian effect. Since RF circuits underly all sorts of technologies, including computer and mobile networks, remote metering and monitoring devices, and home security systems, exotic new functions and enhanced fault tolerance could be on the horizon for these everyday systems.
Objective
In this project, we aim to design and experimentally demonstrate topological phenomena in RF circuits. In particular, we will realize both two dimensional (2D) linear topological circuits showing nontrivial edge states immune from circuit defects and disorders, and nonlinear topological circuits whose topological properties can be controlled by the intensity of the input signal. To utilize the robustness nature of topological circuit, we will also fabricate flexible topological circuit on top of polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films, where the topological features of circuit are preserved when the circuit is bent or stretched. 3D topological circuit will also be theoretically and numerically investigated to achieve exotic topological phases such as nodal lines and Weyl states at RF frequency. This project will provide not only possibilities for designing novel RF circuits that could function properly under different types of circuit defects and tolerance, but also a new platform for exploring and experimentally demonstrating topological phenomena with ease and low cost.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinator
B15 2TT Birmingham
United Kingdom