Exploring ideas in topological quantum phenomena: A journey through the SSH model

Anantha Hegde; Adarsh Kumar; Adhip Agarwala; Bhaskaran Muralidharan

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arXiv · 2108.01460

Exploring ideas in topological quantum phenomena: A journey through the SSH model

Anantha Hegde·Adarsh Kumar·Adhip Agarwala·Bhaskaran Muralidharan

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Abstract

Geared as an invitation for undergraduates, beginning graduate students, we present a pedagogical introduction to one-dimensional topological phases -- in particular 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 $\href{https://github.com/hnoend/SSH_codes}{codes}$ are shared, we try to drive home the message why a program of simulating quantum electronics with topological toy models is the store house for discovering fantastic physics ideas.

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Anantha Hegde, Adarsh Kumar, Adhip Agarwala, Bhaskaran Muralidharan. 2021-08-03. Exploring ideas in topological quantum phenomena: A journey through the SSH model. https://arxiv.org/abs/2108.01460

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