Session: Research Posters

Paper Number: 166086

Topologically Protected Majorana Zero Modes in Acoustic Metamaterials 

Majorana zero modes (MZMs) are emergent quasiparticles with profound implications for topological quantum computing, owing to their unique property of being their own antiparticles and their non-Abelian exchange statistics. These modes are predicted to exist in topological superconductors, where they are highly localized at system boundaries and exhibit robustness against local perturbations. However, experimental realizations of MZMs in condensed matter systems, such as semiconductor-superconductor heterostructures, have been plagued by disorder, material imperfections, and difficulties in controlling interactions at the atomic scale. These challenges have motivated the search for alternative platforms where Majorana-like physics can be engineered in a controlled environment.

 

Acoustic metamaterials provide a promising and highly versatile alternative for studying topological phenomena, including Majorana-like bound states. Unlike electronic and atomic systems, which suffer from intrinsic disorder, acoustic systems allow for precise design and tuning of coupling parameters, making them ideal for exploring the physics of topological excitations. In this work, we exploit the unique properties of H-resonators—acoustic structures that facilitate both positive and negative couplings—to construct an acoustic analog of a Kitaev superconducting chain. Utilizing a one-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model with an interface, we numerically confirm the presence of topologically protected edge states and demonstrate their robustness against structural defects using COMSOL Multiphysics simulations.

 

Expanding upon this foundation, we construct a double SSH chain inspired by the Kitaev superconducting model to engineer stable, topologically protected midgap states analogous to Majorana zero modes. By carefully optimizing resonator geometry and coupling strengths, we achieve a system where these modes remain highly localized at domain walls, demonstrating their resilience to imperfections and disorder. The localization and robustness of these states establish the feasibility of using acoustic metamaterials as a testbed for studying Majorana-like excitations in classical wave systems.

 

To further investigate the topological properties of these modes, we introduce a framework for braiding acoustic Majorana-like states. By modeling a T-junction structure with two domain walls and analyzing the evolution of midgap states, we simulate a braiding process that exhibits the expected exchange behavior of Majorana quasiparticles. Our results show that information can be transported robustly within the system, without dissipation in the bulk, reinforcing the potential of acoustic systems for exploring non-Abelian physics.

 

Beyond theoretical significance, our findings offer practical implications for quantum information science and topological quantum computing. Traditional solid-state systems are highly susceptible to disorder, which can obscure the observation of genuine topological modes. Acoustic metamaterials, on the other hand, provide an intrinsically clean and tunable environment where topological states can be precisely engineered and manipulated. This opens up new experimental avenues for investigating braiding protocols and non-Abelian statistics in a completely classical setting, with the possibility of extending these ideas to other wave-based computational architectures.

 

Our work underscores the viability of acoustic metamaterials as a powerful platform for simulating topological physics. By harnessing the flexibility of acoustic design, we demonstrate a method to engineer and control Majorana-like bound states, paving the way for future studies in synthetic quantum matter, robust information transport, and wave-based computing. These results mark a significant step toward realizing and understanding topologically protected states in a new and highly accessible framework.

Presenting Author: Jackson Saunders Fordham University

Presenting Author Biography: Jackson Saunders is an undergraduate researcher at Fordham University, where he studies physics with a focus on topological systems and acoustic metamaterials. His research explores the intersection of condensed matter physics and wave-based systems, with an emphasis on using acoustic platforms to simulate topological phenomena, including Majorana-like bound states. Jackson has worked extensively with COMSOL Multiphysics to model and analyze acoustic analogs of quantum systems, particularly those exhibiting nontrivial topological behavior.

Beyond his work in theoretical and computational physics, Jackson has a strong passion for physics education and has contributed to curriculum reform efforts in introductory physics laboratories. His previous research in air quality analysis and topological insulators reflects his broad scientific interests and commitment to using physics to address both fundamental and applied challenges.

Jackson is an active member of Fordham’s physics community, serving as a key contributor to research projects and departmental initiatives. He has presented his work at academic conferences and seminars, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the understanding of topological materials in both classical and quantum contexts. His long-term interests include exploring novel approaches to quantum computing, wave-based computational architectures, and interdisciplinary applications of physics in emerging technologies.

Authors:

Jackson Saunders Fordham University
Koorosh Esteki Fordham University
Emil Prodan Yeshiva University
Camelia Prodan Fordham University