Researchers have discovered topological phonons in crystal lattices, using topology to classify phonons—quantum particles responsible for material vibrations—similarly to electronic bands. This breakthrough, achieved by an international team from institutions including Princeton University and the Max Planck Institute, could lead to materials with unique thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. These topological phonons have potential applications in frequency filtering, mechanical energy attenuation, and more. The findings are cataloged in a public repository for further research.
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