Topological properties of subsystem-symmetry-protected edge states in an extended quasi-one-dimensional dimerized lattice

Abstract

We investigate theoretically the topological properties of dimerized quasi-one-dimensional (1D) lattice comprising of multi legs $(L)$ as well as multi sublattices $(R)$. The system has main and subsidiary exchange symmetries. In the basis of latter one, the system can be divided into $L$ 1D subsystems each of which corresponds to a generalized $SSH_R$ model having $R$ sublattices and on-site potentials. Chiral symmetry is absent in all subsystems except when the axis of main exchange symmetry coincides on the central chain. We find that the system may host zero- and finite-energy topological edge states. The existence of zero-energy edge state requires a certain relation between the number of legs and sublattices. As such, different topological phases, protected by subsystem symmetry, including zero-energy edge states in the main gap, no zero-energy edge states, and zero-energy edge states in the bulk states are characterized. Despite the classification symmetry of the system belongs to $BDI$ but each subsystem falls in either $AI$ or $BDI$ symmetry class.