Non-Hermitian total-loss high-order topological insulator based on 1D Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH)

Abstract

Non-Hermiticity alters topology with the presence of non-Hermitian factors in topological systems. Most existing non-Hermitian topological systems derive their topological phases from Hermitian components, that is, the gain and loss of the system are considered simultaneously. In this work, we reveal two-dimensional non-Hermitian high-order topological insulator based on one-dimensional SSH chain, the nontrivial topology of which induced by total-loss. By introducing the loss of a specific configuration, we get a bandgap with corner and edge states whose topology is characterized by the gapped wannier band. In addition, we demonstrate the existence of ’real-energy’ edge states in pseudo-PT symmetric domain wall system. These results can be easily implemented in experiments, and promote the research of topological transmission of lossy systems in the real world.