Higher-order topological phases : A general principle of construction

• We propose a general principle for constructing higher-order topological (HOT) phases. We argue that if a D-dimensional first-order or regular topological phase involves m Hermitian matrices that anticommute with additional p - 1 mutually anticommuting matrices, it is conceivable to realize an nth-order HOT phase, where n = 1, ..., p, with appropriate combinations of discrete symmetry-breaking Wilsonian masses. An nth-order HOT phase accommodates zero modes on a surface with codimension n. We exemplify these scenarios for prototypical three-dimensional gapless systems, such as a nodal-loop semimetal possessing SU(2) spin-rotational symmetry, and Dirac semimetals, transforming under (pseudo)spin-1/2 or 1 representations. The former system permits an unprecedented realization of a fourth-order phase, without any surface zero modes. Our construction can be generalized to HOT insulators and superconductors in any dimension and symmetry class.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Materialteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Materials Engineering (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Topological phases of matter

Dirac semimetal

Insulators

Node-line semimetals

Semimetals

Lattice models in condensed matter

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)