arXiv subjects

Wencai Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Wencai Wang.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Nonlinear topological edge states, topological gap solitons, and self-induced topological edge states in nonlinear Su-Schrieffer-Heeger circuit lattices

Topological edge states typically arise at the boundaries of topologically nontrivial structures or at interfaces between regions with different topological invariants. When topological systems are extended into the nonlinear regime, linear topological edge states bifurcate into nonlinear counterparts, and topological gap solitons emerge in the bulk of the structures. Extensive studies of nonlinear topological edge states and topological gap solitons have been carried out. Following recent experimental observations in photonic systems, we leverage the strong and tunable nonlinearity of electric circuits and systematically investigate the localized states in nonlinear Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) circuit lattices. Besides revisiting the nonlinear topological edge states and topological gap solitons, we uncover a new type of self-induced topological edge states which exhibit the hallmark features of linear topological edge states, including sublattice polarization, phase jumps, and decaying tails that approach zero. A distinctive feature of these states is the boundary-induced power threshold for existence. Our work unveils new opportunities for exploring novel nonlinear topological states, and paves the way for the development of nonlinear topological circuits.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Dark solitons in nonlinear Su-Schrieffer-Heeger lattices

The introduction of nonlinearities into lattices with topological band structures has led to the discovery of various types of solitons. The Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) lattice, as the most fundamental topological model, has been extended into the nonlinear regime. In particular, nonlinear edge states and bulk solitons exhibiting intensity humps against a zero background have been extensively studied in nonlinear SSH lattices. In this paper, we systematically investigate dark solitons in nonlinear SSH lattices. These dark solitons maintain a nonzero and constant background, featuring intensity dips either in the bulk of the lattice or at its edges, and residing spectrally in the semi-infinite gap or the middle finite gap. Regardless of the specific type of dark soliton, the intensity dip remains wellpreserved and is not affected by the band structure of the original linear lattice. Although the dark solitons we have identified are generally dynamically unstable across a broad range of parameters, several types exhibit linear stability when the intracell coupling is much larger than the intercell coupling. Our findings may provide valuable insights for the exploration of novel types of solitons in nonlinear topological lattices.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2026

Symmetry-breaking bifurcation of coupled topological edge states

We propose that the symmetry-breaking bifurcation of coupled topological edge states (CTESs) can be used as a general principle for achieving spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) in a nonlinear topological lattice. Using an optical resonator array composed of two Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) chains as an example, we find that as the nonlinearity strength increases, the symmetric CTESs undergo a supercritical bifurcation. Beyond the critical threshold, the originally stable symmetric state becomes unstable, leading to the formation of a pair of stable asymmetric states. Both sides of the symmetric CTESs exhibit sublattice polarization, while the side of the asymmetric CTESs that is predominantly occupied demonstrates stronger sublattice polarization. We further find that as interchain coupling increases, the frequency range for stable CTESs expands, while the frequency range for stable asymmetric CTESs decreases. Our work provides a universal mechanism for realizing SSB in nonlinear topological lattices.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Nonlinear quadrupole topological insulators

Higher-order topological insulators (HOTIs) represent a family of topological phases that go beyond the conventional bulkboundary correspondence. d-dimensional n-th order HOTIs maintain (d - n)-dimensional gapless boundary states (in particular, zero-dimensional corner states in the case of d = n = 2). HOTIs of the Wannier type cam be extended into the nonlinear regime. Another prominent class of HOTIs, in the form of multipole insulators, was investigated only in the linear regime, due to the challenge of simultaneously achieving both negative hopping and strong nonlinearity. Here we propose the concept of nonlinear quadrupole topological insulators (NLQTIs) and report their experimental realization in an electric circuit lattice. Quench-initiated dynamics gives rise to nonlinear topological corner states and topologically trivial corner solitons, in weakly and strongly nonlinear regimes, respectively. Furthermore, we reveal the formation of two distinct types of bulk solitons, one existing in the middle finite gap under the action of weak nonlinearity, and another one found in the semi-infinite gap under strong nonlinearity. This work realizes another member of the nonlinear HOTI family, suggesting directions for exploring novel solitons across a broad range of topological insulators.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Observation of edge solitons and transitions between them in a trimer circuit lattice

In nonlinear topological systems, edge solitons either originate from linear topological edge modes or emerge as nonlinearity-induced localized states without topological protection. While electric circuits (ECs) provide a platform for realizing various types of topological insulators, observation of edge solitons and transitions between them in EC lattices remains a challenging problem. Here, we realize quench dynamics in nonlinear ECs to experimentally demonstrate both topologically nontrivial and trivial edge solitons in a trimer EC lattice and transitions between them. In the weakly nonlinear regime, we observe two types of topologically nontrivial edge solitons that originate from the corresponding linear topological edge states, characterized by the presence of mutually antisymmetric or symmetric peaks at two edge sites. Under strong nonlinearity, topologically trivial edge solitons with antisymmetric, symmetric, and asymmetric internal structures are discovered. The work suggests possibilities for exploring sophisticated nonlinear states and transitions between them in nonlinear topological systems.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2025

Realization of a non-Hermitian Haldane model in circuits

The Haldane model is the simplest yet most powerful topological lattice model exhibiting various phases, including the Dirac semimetal phase and the anomalous quantum Hall phase (also known as the Chern insulator). Although considered unlikely to be physically directly realizable in condensed matter systems, it has been experimentally demonstrated in other physical settings such as cold atoms, where Hermiticity is usually preserved. Extending this model to the non-Hermitian regime with energy non-conservation can significantly enrich topological phases that lack Hermitian counterparts; however, such exploration remains experimentally challenging due to the lack of suitable physical platforms. Here, based on electric circuits, we report the experimental realization of a genuine non-Hermitian Haldane model with asymmetric next-nearest-neighbor hopping. We observe two previously uncovered phases: a non-Hermitian Chern insulator and a non-Hermitian semimetal phase, both exhibiting boundary-dependent amplifying or dissipative chiral edge states. Our work paves the way for exploring non-Hermiticity-induced unconventional topological phases in the Haldane model.

physics.optics↗