Title: Topological physics with a pair of oscillators beyond the Berry phase via exceptional points
Abstract : Topological phenomena appear in a number of physical systems, from exotic quantum phases to carefully engineered waveguides. They offer new types of control, and are also intriguing in their own right. I will describe a topological feature that is generically present in one of nature's simplest systems: a pair of coupled oscillators. I will describe experiments in which we demonstrate this feature and use it to achieve topological control over the excitations in a system. These effects are classical, but our experiments use an optomechanical device that exhibits detectable quantum fluctuations. I will describe some prospects for studying the interplay of topological and quantum effects in such a system.