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Exploring Ideas in Topological Quantum Phenomena

A Journey Through the SSH Model. 1

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Abstract

Geared as an invitation for undergraduates, beginning graduate students, we present a pedagogical introduction to one-dimensional topological phases, particularly the Su—Schrieffer—Heeger model. In the process, we delve upon ideas of entanglement using the correlator method and the von-Neumann density-matrix method, geometric phase, polarization, transport signatures and the role of electron-electron interactions. Through hands-on numerical experiments, whose codes are shared (https://github.com/hnoend/SSH_codes), we try to drive home the message of why a program of simulating quantum electronics with topological toy models is the storehouse for discovering fantastic physics ideas.

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Authors
  1. Anantha Hegde
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  2. Adarsh Kumar
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  3. Adhip Agarwala
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  4. Bhaskaran Muralidharan
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Additional information

Anantha and Adarsh just graduated from IIT Bombay (India) with a B.Tech and a M.Tech in Electrical Engineering. Adhip is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at IIT Kanpur (India). Bhaskaran is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay (India).

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Hegde, A., Kumar, A., Agarwala, A. et al. Exploring Ideas in Topological Quantum Phenomena. Reson 27, 1761–1776 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-022-1470-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-022-1470-7

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