Scientific Reports (Jun 2021)

Doublons, topology and interactions in a one-dimensional lattice

  • P. Martínez Azcona,
  • C. A. Downing

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91778-z
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract We investigate theoretically the Bose–Hubbard version of the celebrated Su-Schrieffer-Heeger topological model, which essentially describes a one-dimensional dimerized array of coupled oscillators with on-site interactions. We study the physics arising from the whole gamut of possible dimerizations of the chain, including both the weakly and the strongly dimerized limiting cases. Focusing on two-excitation subspace, we systematically uncover and characterize the different types of states which may emerge due to the competition between the inter-oscillator couplings, the intrinsic topology of the lattice, and the strength of the on-site interactions. In particular, we discuss the formation of scattering bands full of extended states, bound bands full of two-particle pairs (including so-called ‘doublons’, when the pair occupies the same lattice site), and different flavors of topological edge states. The features we describe may be realized in a plethora of systems, including nanoscale architectures such as photonic cavities, optical lattices and qubits, and provide perspectives for topological two-particle and many-body physics.