Topological phase transitions in superlattice based on 2D Dirac crystals with anisotropic dispersion

Abstract

Superlattice based on the system of periodically spaced 2D Dirac materials with anisotropic electron dispersion has been studied. Topological transition between semi-metallic phase and band-insulator in the electronic structure of considered superlattice has been investigated. The system of the minigaps and minibands has been shown to appear in band structure of considered superlattice. The dependences of the minigaps and conduction miniband widths on the superlattice parameters have been analyzed. The approximate explicit form of the electron spectrum which can explain the topological transition has been derived. The renormalization of electron velocities near the Dirac points of superlattice band structure has been shown. • Superlattice based on 2D Dirac crystals with anisotropic dispersion is studied. • Electron dispersion is obtained for considered superlattice. • Topological transition between semi-metallic phase and band-insulator is shown. • Explicit analytical expression for energy spectrum is derived. • Topological phase transition can be explained by means of analytical expression.