Topological insulators beyond the Brillouin zone via Chern parity

Details Topological insulators beyond the Brillouin zone via Chern parity Topological insulators beyond the Brillouin zone via Chern parity

2007-05-02

arxiv.org/abs/0705.0172v1

Phys. Rev. B 76, 165307 (2007)

Physics

Condensed Matter

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics

12 pages, 10 figures

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevB.76.165307

The topological insulator is an electronic phase stabilized by spin-orbit coupling that supports propagating edge states and is not adiabatically connected to the ordinary insulator. In several ways it is a spin-orbit-induced analogue in time-reversal-invariant systems of the integer quantum Hall effect (IQHE). This paper studies the topological insulator phase in disordered two-dimensional systems, using a model graphene Hamiltonian introduced by Kane and Mele as an example. The nonperturbative definition of a topological insulator given here is distinct from previous efforts in that it involves boundary phase twists that couple only to charge, does not refer to edge states, and can be measured by pumping cycles of ordinary charge. In this definition, the phase of a Slater determinant of electronic states is determined by a Chern parity analogous to Chern number in the IQHE case. Numerically we find, in agreement with recent network model studies, that the direct transition between ordinary and topological insulators that occurs in band structures is a consequence of the perfect crystalline lattice. Generically these two phases are separated by a metallic phase, which is allowed in two dimensions when spin-orbit coupling is present. The same approach can be used to study three-dimensional topological insulators.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Topological insulators beyond the Brillouin zone via Chern parity 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 Topological insulators beyond the Brillouin zone via Chern parity, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Topological insulators beyond the Brillouin zone via Chern parity will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-673625