Generalized Topology in Lattice Models without Chiral Symmetry

The Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model is a fundamental lattice model used to study topological physics. Here, we propose a new versatile one-dimensional (1D) lattice model that extends beyond the SSH model. Our 1D model breaks chiral symmetry and has generalized topology characterized by a projected winding number W₁₃, ₏=1. When this model is extended to 2D, it can generate a second-order topological insulator (SOTI) phase. The generalized topology of the SOTI phase is protected by a pair of opposite winding numbers W₂₃, ₏^=1, which count the opposite phase windings of a projected vortex and antivortex pair defined in the manifold of the entire parameter space. Thus, the topology of our models is robust and the end (corner) modes are independent of the selection of unit cells and boundary configurations. More significantly, we demonstrate that the model is very general and can be inherently realized in many categories of crystalline materials such as BaHCl.