Multi-gap topological conversion of Euler class via band-node braiding: minimal models, $PT$-linked nodal rings, and chiral heirs

The past few years have seen rapid progress in characterizing topological band structures using symmetry eigenvalue indicated methods. Recently, however, there has been increasing theoretical and experimental interest in multi-gap dependent topological phases that cannot be captured by this paradigm. These topologies arise by braiding band degeneracies that reside between different bands and carry non-Abelian charges due to the presence of either $C_2T$ or $PT$ symmetry, culminating in different invariants such as $\mathbb{Z}$-valued Euler class. Here, we present a universal formulation for Euler phases motivated by their homotopy classification that is related to the Skyrmion-profile of a single unit-vector in three-level systems, and that of two unit-vectors in four-level systems. In addition, upon employing the strategy of systematically building 3D models from a pair of sub-dimensional Euler phases, we show that phase transitions between any two inequivalent Euler phases are mediated by the presence of adjacent (in-gap) nodal rings linked with sub-gap nodal lines, forming trajectories corresponding to the braiding or debraiding of nodal points. The stability of the linked adjacent nodal rings is furthermore demonstrated to be indicated by an Euler class monopole charge matching with its $\mathbb{Z}$-valued linking numbers. We finally also systematically address the conversion of Euler phases into descendant Chern phases upon breaking the $C_2T$ or $PT$ symmetry. All the topological phases discussed in this work are corroborated with explicit minimal lattice models. These models can themselves directly serve as an extra impetus for experimental searches or be employed for theoretical studies, thereby underpinning the upcoming of this nascent pursuit.