ArXiv · 2026
Non-Hermitian topological transitions offer a route to controlling topology through dissipation, but their experimental signatures depend on how loss modifies the system's response. Here, we experimentally realize loss-induced quadrupole topology in a square-octagon RLC circuit whose ideal Hermitian limit is a gapped trivial insulator. Patterned grounding resistors introduce on-site loss while the conservative couplings remain fixed. Band spectra and biorthogonal nested Wilson loops identify a loss-driven topological transition accompanied by closure and reopening of the real line gap. Impedance spectroscopy and spatial maps reveal corner-localized responses consistent with the predicted quadrupole phase. Comparing two finite-loss configurations, we observe enhanced corner contrast at stronger patterned loss within the same predicted phase. These results connect dissipation-driven topology to observable boundary responses in RLC circuits.
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