Self-induced topological transitions and edge states supported by nonlinear staggered potentials

Abstract: The canonical Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model is one of the basic geometries that have spurred significant interest in topologically nontrivial bandgap modes with robust properties. Here, we show that the inclusion of suitable third-order Kerr nonlinearities in SSH arrays opens rich new physics in topological insulators, including the possibility of supporting self-induced topological transitions based on the applied intensity. We highlight the emergence of a new class of topological solutions in nonlinear SSH arrays, localized at the array edges. As opposed to their linear counterparts, these nonlinear states decay to a plateau with non-zero amplitude inside the array, highlighting the local nature of topologically nontrivial bandgaps in nonlinear systems. We derive the conditions under which these unusual responses can be achieved, and their dynamics as a function of applied intensity. Our work paves the way to new directions in the physics of topologically non-trivial edge states with robust propagation properties based on nonlinear interactions in suitably designed periodic arrays.