Observation of edge states derived from topological helix chains

Introducing the concept of topology has revolutionized materials classification, leading to the discovery of topological insulators and Dirac–Weyl semimetals1–3. One of the most fundamental theories underpinning topological materials is the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model4,5, which was developed in 1979—decades before the recognition of topological insulators—to describe conducting polymers. Distinct from the vast majority of known topological insulators with two and three dimensions1–3, the SSH model predicts a one-dimensional analogue of topological insulators, which hosts topological bound states at the endpoints of a chain4–8. To establish this unique and pivotal state, it is crucial to identify the low-energy excitations stemming from bound states, but this has remained unknown in solids because of the absence of suitable platforms. Here we report unusual electronic states that support the emergent bound states in elemental tellurium, the single helix of which was recently proposed to realize an extended version of the SSH chain9,10. Using spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with a micro-focused beam, we have shown spin-polarized in-gap states confined to the edges of the (0001) surface. Our density functional theory calculations indicate that these states are attributed to the interacting bound states originating from the one-dimensional array of SSH tellurium chains. Helices in solids offer a promising experimental platform for investigating exotic properties associated with the SSH chain and exploring topological phases through dimensionality control.