Probing and controlling the dynamics of a one-dimensional SSH lattice through a two-level emitter*

The one-dimensional SSH (Su-Schrieffer-Heeger) model is one of the simplest model Hamiltonians that supports non-trivial topological states. It possesses a Peierls instability that leads to dimerization. In addition to serving as a paradigmatic toy model, the SSH Hamiltonian describes key features of approximately linear systems such as, e.g., polyacetylene. This work investigates the possibility of probing and controlling the SSH lattice dynamics by means of a two-level emitter theoretically. In particular, we investigate SSH lattices that are arranged in a chain, in an X-type structure, and in a star-type structure for varying coupling strengths between the emitter and the lattice; in all cases, we restrict ourselves to the weak coupling limit. Regimes where the two-level emitter plays the role of a weakly-perturbing probe are identified. In addition, regimes where the two-level emitter serves as a new edge, thus notably changing the dynamics, are identified.