---
abstract: 'Topological insulators are a new class of materials that have attracted significant attention in contemporary condensed matter physics. They are different from the regular insulators and they display novel quantum properties that also involve the idea of ‘topology’, an area of mathematics. Some of the fundamental ideas behind the topological insulators, particularly in low-dimensional condensed matter systems such as poly-acetylene chains, can be understood using a simple one-dimensional toy model popularly known as the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model or the SSH model. This model can also be used as an introduction to the topological insulators of higher dimensions. Here we give a concise description of the SSH model along with a brief review of the background physics and attempt to understand the ideas of topological invariants, edge states, and bulk-boundary correspondence using the model.'
author:
- Navketan Batra and Goutam Sheet
title: 'Understanding Basic Concepts of Topological Insulators Through Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) Model'
---

Introduction {#intro}
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Topology is a branch of mathematics that deals with different classes of geometries of objects. If you are allowed to bend and stretch an object but not tear it apart or join two regions together, then all the geometries that you will be able 