Hidden order and symmetry protected topological states in quantum link ladders

We show that whereas spin-1/2 one-dimensional U(1) quantum-link models (QLMs) are topologically trivial, when implemented in ladder-like lattices these models may present an intriguing ground-state phase diagram, which includes a symmetry protected topological (SPT) phase that may be readily revealed by analyzing long-range string spin correlations along the ladder legs. We propose a simple scheme for the realization of spin-1/2 U(1) QLMs based on single-component fermions loaded in an optical lattice with s- and p-bands, showing that the SPT phase may be experimentally realized by adiabatic preparation.