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Condensed Matter > Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Title:Higher Order Topological Phases: A General Principle of Construction
(Submitted on 27 Aug 2018)
Abstract: 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 anti-commute with additional $p-1$ mutually anti-commuting matrices, it is conceivable to realize an $n^{\rm th}$-order HOT phase, where $n=1, \cdots, p$, with appropriate combinations of discrete symmetry-breaking Wilsonian masses. An $n^{\rm th}$-order HOT phase accommodates zero modes on a surface with co-dimension $n$. 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-$\frac{1}{2}$ or 1 representation. The former system permits an unprecedented realization of a $4^{th}$-order phase, without any surface zero modes. Our construction can be generalized to HOT insulators and superconductors in any dimension and symmetry class.
Submission history
From: Vladimir Juricic [view email][v1] Mon, 27 Aug 2018 18:00:04 UTC (6,903 KB)