So far, physicists have primarily studied topological phases in conservatively coupled systems. These are systems with dynamics that do not dissipate and a phase space that does not shrink over time. They are in stark contrast with dissipative systems, which are thermodynamically open systems (i.e., operating out of thermodynamic equilibrium) marked by dynamics that can dissipate over time.
Click here for original story, The experimental demonstration of topological dissipation in photonic resonators
Source: Phys.org