Dynamics in SSH model with Rydberg synthetic dimensions

Rydberg states connected by microwave couplings have been used to construct synthetic dimensions for quantum simulations of particle motion through lattice potentials. Here we report results of experiments probing wave-packet dynamics in the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model using ⁸⁴Sr Rydberg states with n~60. A ladder of 6 Rydberg states is constructed with microwave frequencies tuned to resonantly couple adjacent pairs. Signature behaviors of the SSH model, including direct long-range edge-to-edge tunneling and bulk oscillations, are observed, confirming the expected topological protection [1]. The chiral displacement is measured to map out the topological-to-trivial phase transition of the SSH model as the ratio J_W/J_S of the alternating weak and strong coupling strength is scanned through 1. We also probe the eigen-energy spectrum of the ladder, demonstrating the possibilities of measuring the band structures of more complex systems.

[1] arXiv preprint arXiv:2311.07005