SSH Model — Topological Edge Modes

SSH Parameters

Intracell hopping t: 0.3

Intercell hopping t': 0.8

Chain length N: 20

Disorder (δ): 0.00

Winding number ν

Bulk gap

The SSH model (1979) is the simplest 1D topological insulator. When t' > t, the winding number ν=1 and the bulk-boundary correspondence guarantees zero-energy edge states.

These states are topologically protected — disorder cannot remove them as long as the bulk gap is open. The edge wavefunctions decay exponentially into the bulk.