Topological phases in two-dimensional Rydberg lattices

Abstract

Rydberg lattice gases are at the forefront of quantum simulation platforms due to their inherent strong dipole-dipole interactions, long life-times and high degree of control currently achievable in experiments. We propose a simple and experimentally realizable two-dimensional lattice model consisting of two offset square sublattices of Rydberg atoms for the simulation of a so-called two-dimensional SSH model. This model reveals a plethora of topological phases, all connected through the variation of the lattice geometry. We predict the appearance of edge and corner states characterizing topological insulators, as well as pairs of topologically charged Dirac points associated with tilted and anisotropic cones in gapless semimetallic phases. The position, tilt and degree of anisotropy of the cones, which may determine the transport porperties of the system, are tunable via the sublattice offset parameters.