Characterization of 3d topological insulators by 2d invariants
Other Condensed Matter
2010-04-21 v1 Mathematical Physics
math.MP
Abstract
The prediction of non-trivial topological phases in Bloch insulators in three dimensions has recently been experimentally verified. Here, I provide a picture for obtaining the invariants for a three dimensional topological insulator by deforming suitable 2d planes in momentum space and by using a formula for the 2d invariant based on the Chern number. The physical interpretation of this formula is also clarified through the connection between this formulation of the invariant and the quantization of spin Hall conductance in two dimensions.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.1004.3507,
title = {Characterization of 3d topological insulators by 2d invariants},
author = {Rahul Roy},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1004.3507},
year = {2010}
}