Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: While band topology is usually associated with the deterministic dynamics of a system, we show that it can instead reside in its fluctuations. Using a reciprocal lattice driven by nonequilibrium chiral active noise, we find that the displacement spectrum---which quantifies displacement fluctuations---admits bands with nonzero Chern numbers despite a Chern-trivial deterministic mechanics. A two-band valley theory captures the emergence of this topology through a Dirac mass inversion, a Haldane-type mechanism, or a quadratic band touching, depending on the relevant transition. Through the bulk--boundary correspondence, we find boundary-localized fluctuation modes that are distinct from the usual propagating mechanical edge states.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Author: Maire, Raphaël
Institution: Universitat de Barcelona
Language: English
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204488076