Observation of a Topological Phase Transition in Random Coaxial Cable Structures with Chiral Symmetry

Abstract

We report an experimental study of the disordered Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model, implemented in a system of coaxial cables, whose radio frequency properties map on to the SSH Hamiltonian. By measuring multiple chains with random hopping terms, we demonstrate the presence of a topologically protected state, with frequency variation of less than 0.2% over the ensemble. Connecting the ends of the chains to form loops, we observe a topological phase transition, characterised by the closure of the band gap and the appearance of states which are delocalised, despite the strong disorder.