Probing the nontrivial topological edge states in a Su-Schrieffer-Heeger-type quantum dot chain using finite-frequency shot noise
Phys. Rev. B 112, 115431 – Published 23 September, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/8h24-ckbr
Abstract
The one-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) chain is one of the simplest topological models in which nontrivial topological edge states emerge. Recently, semiconductor quantum dots have been proposed as a promising platform for simulating the one-dimensional SSH chain. Consequently, detecting the nontrivial topological edge states of the SSH-type QD chain has become one of the most important topics in condensed matter physics. In this work, the finite-frequency shot noise of electron transport through the SSH-type QD chain is investigated. It is shown that the finite-frequency shot noise in the topological region exhibits a sharp dip, while that in the trivial region exhibits no dip at all. Moreover, the position of the dip of the finite-frequency shot noise is independent of the applied bias voltage, temperature, and strength of the tunnel coupling between the SSH-type QD chain and the two external electrodes. Consequently, the variation of the width of the dip of the finite-frequency shot noise in the weak and relatively strong coupling regimes suggests an alternative way to detect whether the SSH-type QD chain is in the nontrivial topological edge states or not.
