A square-root topological insulator with non-quantized indices realized with photonic Aharonov-Bohm cages

Abstract

Topological Insulators are a novel state of matter where spectral bands are characterized by quantized topological invariants. This unique quantized nonlocal property commonly manifests through exotic bulk phenomena and corresponding robust boundary effects. In our work we study a system where the spectral bands are associated with non-quantized indices, but nevertheless possess robust boundary states. We present a theoretical analysis, where we show that the square of the Hamiltonian exhibits quantized indices. The findings are experimentally demonstrated by using photonic Aharonov-Bohm cages.

Abstract

Topological insulators are characterized by quantized topological invariants. Here, the authors report an insulator state showing spectral bands without quantized indices, yet robust boundary states in a photonic setup.