Network model for magnetic higher-order topological phases

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Hui Liu - , Clusters of Excellence ct.qmat: Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter, Chair of Solid State Theory, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, Stockholm University (Author)
  • Ali G. Moghaddam - , Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences, Zanjan, Tampere University (Author)
  • Daniel Varjas - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, Stockholm University, Max-Planck-Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Author)
  • Ion Cosma Fulga - , Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat (Author)

Abstract

We propose a network-model realization of magnetic higher-order topological phases (HOTPs) in the presence of the combined space-time symmetry C4T - the product of a fourfold rotation and time-reversal symmetry. We show that the system possesses two types of HOTPs. The first type, analogous to Floquet topology, generates a total of eight corner modes at 0 or π eigenphase, while the second type, hidden behind a weak topological phase, yields a unique phase with eight corner modes at ±π/2 eigenphase (after gapping out the counterpropagating edge states), arising from the product of particle-hole and phase-rotation symmetry. By using a bulk Z4 topological index (Q), we found both HOTPs have Q=2, whereas Q=0 for the trivial and the conventional weak topological phase. Together with a Z2 topological index associated with the reflection matrix, we are able to fully distinguish all phases. Our work motivates further studies on magnetic topological phases and symmetry-protected 2π/n boundary modes, as well as suggesting that such phases may find their experimental realization in coupled-ring-resonator networks.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number043167
JournalPhysical Review Research
Volume6
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas