Topological properties of a generalized spin–orbit-coupled Su–Schrieffer–Heeger model

Abstract

We explore theoretically the effect of inter and intra cell spin-orbit couplings on topological properties of a generalized Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model with multipartite lattice structure containing even number of sites per unit cell. We show that the spin-orbit couplings enrich topological phase diagrams so that nontrivial topological regions in the space of parameters extend significantly which is suitable for potential applications. We present an analytical formula for winding number in terms of sublattice number signaling that there are two nontrivial topological phases in the space of parameters hosting twofold/fourfold degenerate zero-mode boundary states. We also find that by increasing the number of sublattices within unit cell, the nontrivial regions of topological phase diagram including twofold degenerate zero-mode edge states extend dramatically. Our symmetry investigation shows that U(1) spin rotational symmetry around the lattice direction is the crucial ingredient for the appearance of fourfold degenerate zero-mode boundary states.