  Non-equilibrium dynamics induced by rapid changes of external parameters is
relevant for a wide range of scenarios across many domains of physics. For
waves in spatially periodic systems, quenches will alter the bandstructure and
generate new excitations. In the case of topological bandstructures, defect
modes at boundaries can be generated or destroyed when quenching through a
topological phase transition. Here, we demonstrate that optomechanical arrays
are a promising platform for studying such dynamics, as their bandstructure can
be tuned temporally by a control laser. We study the creation of nonequilibrium
optical and mechanical excitations in 1D arrays, including a bosonic version of
the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. These ideas can be transferred to other systems
such as driven nonlinear cavity arrays.
