English

Topological classification of k.p Hamiltonians for Chern insulators

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics 2015-03-26 v1

Abstract

We proof the existence of two different topological classes of low-energy k.p Hamiltonians for Chern insulators. Using the paradigmatic example of single-valley two-band models, we show that k.p Hamiltonians that we dub local have a topological invariant corresponding precisely to the Hall conductivity and linearly dispersing chiral midgap edge states at the expansion point. Non-local k.p Hamiltonians have a topological invariant that is twice the Hall conductivity of the system. This class is characterized by a non-local bulk-edge correspondence with midgap edge states appearing away from the high-symmetry k.p expansion point.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1503.07456,
  title  = {Topological classification of k.p Hamiltonians for Chern insulators},
  author = {Frank Kirtschig and Jeroen van den Brink and Carmine Ortix},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1503.07456},
  year   = {2015}
}

Comments

5 pages, 4 figures