A Solvable Semi-infinite Fock-state-lattice SSH Model: the Stable Topological Zero Mode and the Non-Hermitian Bound Effect

TL;DR

This paper analyzes a semi-infinite Fock-state lattice SSH model, revealing a stable topological zero mode, non-Hermitian bound effects, and proposing an experimental realization with trapped ions.

Contribution

It introduces a solvable FSL-based SSH model, demonstrating a more stable topological zero mode and non-Hermitian effects, with a concrete experimental proposal.

Findings

Identification of a stable topological zero mode from a bound state

Prediction of non-Hermitian bound effect leading to rapid state stabilization

Observation of PT phase transition via dynamics crossover

Abstract

Fock-state lattice (FSL) offers a powerful quantum simulator for topological phenomena due to the unbounded scalability and ease of implementation. Nevertheless, the unique topological properties induced by its site-dependent coupling have remained elusive, mainly due to the challenge of handling an infinite state space without translational symmetry. Here, we rigorously analyze the topological features of a semi-infinite FSL-based Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model, in both Hermitian and non-Hermitian realms, by mapping it to the solvable Jaynes-Cummings (JC) model via a unitary displacement transformation. We find a more stable topological zero mode than the conventional SSH model, originating from the bound state at the inherent domain wall under anisotropic conditions. With gain and loss introduced, we predict a non-Hermitian bound effect (NHBE), i. e., any state overlapping with the bound state will quickly stabilize to the domain wall, with the minimal stabilization time occurring in the vicinity of exceptional point (EP). The paritytime (PT ) phase transition can be observed by the oscillating-to-steady crossover of dynamics in the subspace orthogonal to the bound state. Furthermore, a concrete experimental proposal based on the trapped-ion setup is provided.