Multiple boundary states in bilayer and decorated Su-Schrieffer-Heeger-like models

Abstract

Topological boundary states have attracted widespread fascination due to their series of intriguing properties. In this paper, we investigate the multiple boundary states within the two kinds of extended Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) models. The coexistence of boundary states that exist both in the bulk and band gaps is realized based on the bilayer SSH-like model, which consists of two conventional square-root SSH models that are directly coupled. We further show the square-root topology within the decorated SSH-like model, which supports multiple boundary states that could be embedded into the bulk continuum by tuning the hopping parameters. In addition, the connection between the decorated SSH-like model and its effectively decomposed counterparts is revealed. Our results broaden insight into the multiple boundary states and open up an exciting avenue for the future exploration of square-root topology.