Non-Hermitian systems can host topological states with novel topological invariants and bulk-edge correspondences that are distinct from conventional Hermitian systems. Here we show that two unique classes of non-Hermitian 2D topological phases, a 2$mathbb{Z}$ non-Hermitian Chern insulator and a $mathbb{Z}_{2}$ topological semimetal, can be realized by tuning staggered asymmetric hopping strengths in a 1D superlattice. These non-Hermitian topological phases support real edge modes due to robust $mathcal{PT}$-symmetric-like spectra and can coexist in certain parameter regime. The proposed phases can be experimentally realized in photonic or atomic systems and may open an avenue for exploring novel classes of non-Hermitian topological phases with 1D superlattices.
Nonlinear topological photonics is an emerging field aiming at extending the fascinating properties of topological states to the realm where interactions between the system constituents cannot be neglected. Interactions can indeed trigger topological phase transitions, induce symmetry protection and robustness properties for the many-body system. Moreover when coupling to the environment via drive and dissipation is also considered, novel collective phenomena are expected to emerge. Here, we report the nonlinear response of a polariton lattice implementing a non-Hermitian version of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. We trigger the formation of solitons in the topological gap of the band structure, and show that these solitons demonstrate robust nonlinear properties with respect to defects, because of the underlying sub-lattice symmetry. Leveraging on the system non-Hermiticity, we engineer the drive phase pattern and unveil bulk solitons that have no counterpart in conservative systems. They are localized on a single sub-lattice with a spatial profile alike a topological edge state. Our results demonstrate a tool to stabilize the nonlinear response of driven dissipative topological systems, which may constitute a powerful resource for nonlinear topological photonics.
The Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model of polyacetylene is a paradigmatic Hamiltonian exhibiting non-trivial edge states. By using Floquet theory we study how the spectrum of this one-dimensional topological insulator is affected by a time-dependent potential. In particular, we evidence the competition among different photon-assisted processes and the native topology of the unperturbed Hamiltonian to settle the resulting topology at different driving frequencies. While some regions of the quasienergy spectrum develop new gaps hosting Floquet edge states, the native gap can be dramatically reduced and the original edge states may be destroyed or replaced by new Floquet edge states. Our study is complemented by an analysis of Zak phase applied to the Floquet bands. Besides serving as a simple example for understanding the physics of driven topological phases, our results could find a promising test-ground in cold matter experiments.
Overlaying commensurate optical lattices with various configurations called superlattices can lead to exotic lattice topologies and, in turn, a discovery of novel physics. In this study, by overlapping the maxima of lattices, a new isolated structure is created, while the interference of minima can generate various sublattice patterns. Three different kinds of primitive lattices are used to demonstrate isolated square, triangular, and hexagonal sublattice structures in a two-dimensional optical superlattice, the patterns of which can be manipulated dynamically by tuning the polarization, frequency, and intensity of laser beams. In addition, we propose the method of altering the relative phase to adjust the tunneling amplitudes in sublattices. Our configurations provide unique opportunities to study particle entanglement in lattices formed by intersecting wells and to implement special quantum logic gates in exotic lattice geometries.
We predict the existence of non-Hermitian topologically protected end states in a one-dimensional exciton-polariton condensate lattice, where topological transitions are driven by the laser pump pattern. We show that the number of end states can be described by a Chern number and a topological invariant based on the Wilson loop. We find that such transitions arise due to {it enforced exceptional points} which can be predicted directly from the bulk Bloch wave functions. This allows us to establish a new type of bulk-boundary correspondence for non-Hermitian systems and to compute the phase diagram of an open chain analytically. Finally, we demonstrate topological lasing of a single end-mode in a realistic model of a microcavity lattice.
We investigate the properties of a two-dimensional quasicrystal in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. In this configuration, the density of states (DOS) displays a Hofstadter butterfly-like structure when it is represented as a function of the magnetic flux per tile. We show that the low-DOS regions of the energy spectrum are associated with chiral edge states, in direct analogy with the Chern insulators realized with periodic lattices. We establish the topological nature of the edge states by computing the topological Chern number associated with the bulk of the quasicrystal. This topological characterization of the non-periodic lattice is achieved through a local (real-space) topological marker. This work opens a route for the exploration of topological insulating materials in a wide range of non-periodic lattice systems, including photonic crystals and cold atoms in optical lattices.