Extended topological mode in a one-dimensional non-Hermitian acoustic crystal

In Hermitian topological systems, topological modes (TMs) are bound to interfaces or defects of a lattice. Recent discoveries show that non-Hermitian effects can reshape the wavefunctions of the TMs and even turn them into extended modes occupying the entire bulk lattice. In this letter, we experimentally demonstrate such an extended TM (ETM) in a one-dimensional (1D) non-Hermitian acoustic topological crystal. The acoustic crystal is formed by a series of coupled acoustic resonant cavities, and the non-Hermiticity is introduced as a non-reciprocal coupling coefficient using active electroacoustic controllers (AECs). Our work highlights the potential universality of ETMs in different physical systems and resolves the technical challenges in the further study of ETMs in acoustic waves.