Insensitive edge solitons in a non-Hermitian topological lattice

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate that the synergetic interplay of topology, nonreciprocity and nonlinearity is capable of unprecedented effects. We focus on a nonreciprocal variant of the Su-Shrieffer-Heeger chain with local Kerr nonlinearity. We find a continuous family of non-reciprocal edge solitons (NES) emerging from the topological edge mode, with near-zero energy, in great contrast from their reciprocal counterparts. Analytical results show that this energy decays exponentially towards zero when increasing the lattice size. Consequently, despite the absence of chiral and sublattice symmetries within the system, we obtain zero-energy NES, which are insensitive to growing Kerr nonlinearity. Even more surprising, these zero-energy NES also persist in the strong nonlinear limit. Our work may enable new avenues for the control of nonlinear topological waves without requiring the addition of complex chiral- or sublattice-preserving nonlinearities.