Abstract
Electron–electron interactions can be useful for realizing new nontrivial topological phases of matter. Here, we show by means of a tight-binding model and mean field theory how electron–electron interactions can lead to a topological phase transition. By externally adding or removing electrons from the system a band inversion between two bands with different parity is induced. This leads to a topological nontrivial phase if spin–orbit coupling is present. Besides the toy-model illustrating this mechanism, we also propose SmB6 as a possible playground for experimentally realizing a topological phase transition by external tuning.
Highlights
Electron–electron interactions in material systems give rise to rich phase diagrams and offer the possibility to tune between those phases by for example doping [1,2,3]
In this system spin–orbit coupling is unnecessary for a topological nontrivial phase and can be replaced by electron–electron interactions
We show how a system with spin–orbit interaction and a Hubbard U like electron–electron interaction can lead to a topological phase transition
Summary
Electron–electron interactions in material systems give rise to rich phase diagrams and offer the possibility to tune between those phases by for example doping [1,2,3]. Raghu et al [22], reported a system in which nearest and next-nearest neighbour Coulomb repulsion leads to spontaneous symmetry breaking, resulting in a system similar to Haldane [23] In this system spin–orbit coupling is unnecessary for a topological nontrivial phase and can be replaced by electron–electron interactions. We show how a system with spin–orbit interaction and a Hubbard U like electron–electron interaction can lead to a topological phase transition This simple toy-model shows the basic principle behind a ‘interaction driven phase transition’, which applies to other systems were spin–orbit coupling is still a driving force.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
