Non-Abelian gauge fields are of central importance in high-energy and condensed-matter physics and have been experimentally realized in various systems, including quantum materials, ultracold atoms, and artificial structures. Recent theoretical studies suggest that non-Abelian gauge fields can be implemented using multilayer temporal interfaces based on time-reflection and time-refraction effects. This approach benefits from intrinsic temporal tunability and offers a pathway toward extension to higher-order gauge-field scenarios. However, experimental progress has been limited by the challenges in implementing multilayer temporal structures and in achieving required phase control. Here we theoretically introduce and experimentally demonstrate a new scheme to realize non-Abelian synthetic gauge fields through multilayer temporal interfaces combined with geometric pumping. We show analytically and numerically that different sequences of temporal interface operations produce distinct output states, confirming the non-Abelian behaviors. Using time-varying electrical circuits, we observe non-Abelian interference patterns, consistent with theoretical predictions. Our work demonstrates the temporal-interface approach to implement non-Abelian gauge fields and offers a versatile platform for exploring emergent physical states enabled by temporal interfaces.

Close

PrevNext

View figure in article

• Metamaterials
• Non-Abelian gauge theories
• Photonic crystals
• Topolectrical circuits
• Topological insulators