Molecular orbitals of an elastic artificial benzene

Benzene, a hexagonal molecule with formula ${\mathrm{C}}_{6}{\mathrm{H}}_{6}$, is one of the most important aromatic hydrocarbons. Its structure arises from $s{p}^{2}$ hybridization which three in-plane $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ bonds are formed. A fourth $\ensuremath{\pi}$ orbital perpendicular to molecular plane combines those arising other carbon atoms form bonds, very describe electronic properties benzene. Here this system emulated elastic waves. The design and characterization an artificial mechanical benzene molecule, composed six resonators connected through finite phononic crystals, reported. latter structures trap vibrations in couple them evanescent waves neighboring resonators, establishing tight-binding regime for Our results show appearance spectrum wave amplitudes reminiscent that Finite element simulations experimental data excellent agreement H\"uckel model