Topological edge states in electromagnetic systems feature fascinating fundamental properties and unveil future applications based on disorder robustness and tailored localization. Despite active efforts in implementing topologically protected waveguides in two-dimensional photonic systems, applications of one-dimensional topological systems remain almost uncharted. In this Paper, we demonstrate that topological edge modes can be implemented in metamaterial-inspired volumetric resonators for clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by dimerizing a metasolenoid composed of coupled split-ring resonators to implement a one-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. Performing numerical simulations and experiments with a $1.5$ T MRI scanner, we study the associated resonance spectra of metasolenoids, their bulk and topological edge mode profiles, and signal-to-noise ratio curves. Finally, we consider the potential applications based on increased magnetic field localization at the topological edge mode compared with conventional surface coils based on single split-ring resonators and bulk modes of metasolenoids.

• Received 19 October 2022
• Revised 1 June 2023
• Accepted 7 August 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.20.024076