Physics – Condensed Matter – Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Scientific paper
2008-07-26
New J. Phys. 10 (2008) 103027
Physics
Condensed Matter
Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Published version 10 pages, 5 figures
Scientific paper
10.1088/1367-2630/10/10/103027
We study the electronic structure and the phase diagram of non-interacting fermions confined to hexagonal optical lattices. In the first part, we compare the properties of Dirac points arising in the eigenspectrum of either honeycomb or triangular lattices. Numerical results are complemented by analytical equations for weak and strong confinements. In the second part we discuss the phase diagram and the evolution of Dirac points in honeycomb lattices applying a tight-binding description with arbitrary nearest-neighbor hoppings. With increasing asymmetry between the hoppings the Dirac points approach each other. At a critical asymmetry the Dirac points merge to open an energy gap, thus changing the topology of the eigenspectrum. We analyze the trajectory of the Dirac points and study the density of states in the different phases. Manifestations of the phase transition in the temperature dependence of the specific heat and in the structure factor are discussed.
Guinea Francisco
Sols Fernando
Wunsch Bernhard
No associations
LandOfFree
Dirac-point engineering and topological phase transitions in honeycomb optical lattices does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Dirac-point engineering and topological phase transitions in honeycomb optical lattices, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dirac-point engineering and topological phase transitions in honeycomb optical lattices will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-144528