Zero-field and time-reserval-symmetry-broken topological phase transitions in graphene

Abstract

We propose a quantum electronic device based on strained graphene nanoribbon. Mechanical strain, internal exchange field and spin-orbit couplings (SOCs) have been exploited as principle parameters to tune physical properties of the device. We predict a remarkable zero-field topological quantum phase transition between the time-reversal-symmetry broken quantum spin hall (QSH) and quantum anomalous hall (QAH) states, which was previously thought to take place only in the presence of finite magnetic field. We illustrate as intrinsic SOC is tuned, how two different helicity edge states located in the opposite edges of the nanoribbon exchange their locations. Our results indicates that pseudomagnetic field induced by the strain could be coupled to the spin degrees of freedom through the SOC responsible for the stability of QSH state. The controllability of this zero-field phase transition with strength and direction of the strain is also demonstrated. Our prediction offers a tempting prospect of strain, electric and magnetic manipulation of the QSH effect.