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Observation of Gapless Spectral Flows in Elastic Metamaterials with Synthetic Dimension

Yue Shen1,*, Linyun Yang2,*, Zhi-Kang Lin3,4,*, Kailun Wang1, Xiang Li5, Liang Li1,†, Ying Wu1,‡, and Jian-Hua Jiang6,7,4,§

  • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
  • †Contact author: liangli@mail.njust.edu.cn
  • ‡Contact author: yingwu@njust.edu.cn
  • §Contact author: jhjiang3@ustc.edu.cn

Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 256601 – Published 16 December, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/tcx5-2r4b

Abstract

Elastic edge states, formed by interfacing different topological phases and appealing for various cutting-edge applications based on surface acoustic waves, often exhibit limits due to the lack of strong topological protection. Here, we overcome this difficulty by engineering a synthetic three-dimensional (3D) Dirac semimetal phase in a 2D elastic metamaterial. By tuning a geometry parameter, we drive topological transitions, which can be mapped into Dirac points in hybrid 3D, i.e., 2D plus a synthetic dimension. Gapless adiabatic spectral flows are found along the synthetic momentum loops when they encircle the Dirac points, emerging as the surface-arc states in hybrid 3D, that restores the bulk-edge correspondence in elastic systems. Experimental measurements confirm the bulk Dirac points, surface-arc states linking oppositely charged Dirac points, and the emergent gapless spectral flows. This Letter brings novel quantum-inspired phenomena to elastic systems and may inspire applications in topological control of mechanical waves and dynamics.

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