Spin Quantum Hall Transition Research Articles

Multifractal Conductance Fluctuations of Helical Edge States.

Two-dimensional topological insulators are characterized by the bulk gap and one-dimensional helical states running along the edges. The theory predicts the topological protection of the helical transport from coherent backscattering. However, the unexpected deviations of the conductance from the quantized value and localization of the helical modes are generally observed in long samples. Moreover, at millikelvin temperatures significant mesoscopic fluctuations are developed as a function of the electron energy. Here we report the results of an experimental study of the transport in a HgTe quantum well with an inverted energy spectrum that reveal a multifractality of the conductance fluctuations in the helical edge state dominated transport regime. We attribute observed multifractality to mesoscopic fluctuations of the electron wave function or local density of states at the spin quantum Hall transition. We have shown that the mesoscopic two-dimensional topological insulator provides a highly tunable experimental system in which to explore the physics of the Anderson transition between topological states.

Generalized multifractality at the spin quantum Hall transition: Percolation mapping and pure-scaling observables

This work extends the analysis of the generalized multifractality of critical eigenstates at the spin quantum Hall transition in two-dimensional disordered superconductors [J. F. Karcher et al, Annals of Physics, 435, 168584 (2021)]. A mapping to classical percolation is developed for a certain set of generalized-multifractality observables. In this way, exact analytical results for the corresponding exponents are obtained. Furthermore, a general construction of positive pure-scaling eigenfunction observables is presented, which permits a very efficient numerical determination of scaling exponents. In particular, all exponents corresponding to polynomial pure-scaling observables up to the order $q=5$ are found numerically. For the observables for which the percolation mapping is derived, analytical and numerical results are in perfect agreement with each other. The analytical and numerical results unambiguously demonstrate that the generalized parabolicity (i.e., proportionality to eigenvalues of the quadratic Casimir operator) does not hold for the spectrum of generalized-multifractality exponents. This excludes Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten models, and, more generally, any theories with local conformal invariance, as candidates for the fixed-point theory of the spin quantum Hall transition. The observable construction developed in this work paves a way to investigation of generalized multifractality at Anderson-localization critical points of various symmetry classes.

Generalized multifractality at spin quantum Hall transition

Generalized multifractality characterizes scaling of eigenstate observables at Anderson-localization critical points. We explore generalized multifractality in 2D systems, with the main focus on the spin quantum Hall (SQH) transition in superconductors of symmetry class C. Relations and differences with the conventional integer quantum Hall (IQH) transition are also studied. Using the field-theoretical formalism of non-linear sigma-model, we derive the pure-scaling operators representing generalizing multifractality and then “translate” them to the language of eigenstate observables. Performing numerical simulations on network models for SQH and IQH transitions, we confirm the analytical predictions for scaling observables and determine the corresponding exponents. Remarkably, the generalized-multifractality exponents at the SQH critical point strongly violate the generalized parabolicity of the spectrum, which implies violation of the local conformal invariance at this critical point.

Quartic multifractality and finite-size corrections at the spin quantum Hall transition

The spin quantum Hall (or class C) transition represents one of the few localization-delocalization transitions for which some of the critical exponents are known exactly. Not known, however, is the multifractal spectrum, $\tau_q$, which describes the system-size scaling of inverse participation ratios $P_q$, i.e., the $q$-moments of critical wavefunction amplitudes. We here report simulations based on the class C Chalker-Coddington network and demonstrate that $\tau_q$ is (essentially) a quartic polynomial in $q$. Analytical results fix all prefactors except the quartic curvature that we obtain as $\gamma=(2.22\pm{0.15})\cdot10^{-3}$. In order to achieve the necessary accuracy in the presence of sizable corrections to scaling, we have analyzed the evolution with system size of the entire $P_q$-distribution function. As it turns out, in a sizable window of $q$-values this distribution function exhibits a (single-parameter) scaling collapse already in the pre-asymptotic regime, where finite-size corrections are not negligible. This observation motivates us to propose a novel approach for extracting $\tau_q$ based on concepts borrowed from the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test of mathematical statistics. We believe that our work provides the conceptual means for high-precision investigations of multifractal spectra also near other localization-delocalization transitions of current interest, especially the integer (class A) quantum Hall effect.

Phase diagram of the spin quantum Hall transition

We study a system which can be realized in a dirty, gapless superconductor in which time-reversal symmetry for orbital motion is broken, but spin-rotation symmetry is intact. We present a phase diagram in a phase-space of spin Hall conductance and energy of quasiparticles Δ. It exhibits a direct transition between two insulating phases with quantized Hall conductances of zero and two for the conserved quasiparticles when Δ = 0. The ener-gy of the quasiparticles acts as a relevant symmetry-breaking field at the critical point, which splits the direct transition into two conventional plateau transitions. We use updated correct values of the critical exponents to define these two critical lines as ϵ∼±Δ6/7.

Logarithmic correlations in quantum Hall plateau transitions

The critical behavior of quantum Hall transitions in two-dimensional disordered electronic systems can be described by a class of complicated, non-unitary conformal field theories with logarithmic correlations. The nature and the physical origin of these logarithmic correlation functions remain however mysterious. Using the replica trick and the underlying symmetries of these quantum critical points, we show here how to construct non-perturbatively disorder-averaged observables in terms of Green's functions that scale logarithmically at criticality. In the case of the spin quantum Hall transition, which may occur in disordered superconductors with spin-rotation symmetry and broken time reversal invariance, we argue that our results are compatible with an alternative approach based on supersymmetry. The generalization to the Integer quantum Hall plateau transition is also discussed.

Relevant perturbations at the spin quantum Hall transition

We study relevant perturbations at the spin quantum Hall critical point using a network model formulation. The model has been previously mapped to classical percolation on a square lattice, and we use the mapping to extract exact analytical values of the scaling dimensions of the relevant perturbations. We find that several perturbations that are distinct in the network model formulation correspond to the same operator in the percolation picture. We confirm our analytical results by comparing them with numerical simulations of the network model.

Exact Exponents for the Spin Quantum Hall Transition in the Presence of Multiple Edge Channels

Critical properties of quantum Hall systems are affected by the presence of extra edge channels-those that are present, in particular, at higher plateau transitions. We study this phenomenon for the case of the spin quantum Hall transition. Using supersymmetry, we map the corresponding network model to a classical loop model, whose boundary critical behavior was recently determined exactly. We verify predictions of the exact solution by extensive numerical simulations.

Exact spin quantum Hall current between boundaries of a lattice strip

Employing an inhomogeneous solvable lattice model, we derive an exact expression for a boundary-to-boundary current on a lattice of finite width. This current is an example of a class of parafermionic observables recently introduced in an attempt to rigorously prove conformal invariance of the scaling limit of critical two-dimensional lattice models. It also corresponds to the spin current at the spin quantum Hall transition in a model introduced by Chalker and Coddington, and generalized by Gruzberg, Ludwig and Read. Our result is derived from a solution of the q-deformed Knizhnik–Zamolodchikov equation, and is expressed in terms of a symplectic Toda-lattice wave-function.

Boundary criticality and multifractality at the two-dimensional spin quantum Hall transition

Multifractal scaling of critical wave functions at a disorder-driven (Anderson) localization transition is modified near boundaries of a sample. Here this effect is studied for the example of the spin quantum Hall plateau transition using the supersymmetry technique for disorder averaging. Upon mapping the spin quantum Hall transition to the classical percolation problem with reflecting boundaries, a number of multifractal exponents governing wave-function scaling near a boundary are obtained exactly. Moreover, additional exact boundary scaling exponents of the localization problem are extracted, and the problem is analyzed in other geometries.

Surface Criticality and Multifractality at Localization Transitions

We develop the concept of surface multifractality for localization-delocalization (LD) transitions in disordered electronic systems. We point out that the critical behavior of various observables related to wave functions near a boundary at a LD transition is different from that in the bulk. We illustrate this point with a calculation of boundary critical and multifractal behavior at the 2D spin quantum Hall transition and in a 2D metal at scales below the localization length.

Network Models in Class C on Arbitrary Graphs

We consider network models of quantum localisation in which a particle with a two-component wave function propagates through the nodes and along the edges of an arbitrary directed graph, subject to a random SU(2) rotation on each edge it traverses. The propagation through each node is specified by an arbitrary but fixed S-matrix. Such networks model localisation problems in class C of the classification of Altland and Zirnbauer [1], and, on suitable graphs, they model the spin quantum Hall transition. We extend the analyses of Gruzberg, Ludwig and Read [5] and of Beamond, Cardy and Chalker [2] to show that, on an arbitrary graph, the mean density of states and the mean conductance may be calculated in terms of observables of a classical history-dependent random walk on the same graph. The transition weights for this process are explicitly related to the elements of the S-matrices. They are correctly normalised but, on graphs with nodes of degree greater than 4, not necessarily non-negative (and therefore interpretable as probabilities) unless a sufficient number of them happen to vanish. Our methods use a supersymmetric path integral formulation of the problem which is completely finite and rigorous.

Numerical study of spin quantum Hall transitions in superconductors with broken time-reversal symmetry

We present the results of numerical studies of spin quantum Hall transitions in disordered superconductors, in which the pairing order parameter breaks time-reversal symmetry. We focus mainly on $p$-wave superconductors in which one of the spin components is conserved. The transport properties of the system are studied by numerically diagonalizing pairing Hamiltonians on a lattice, and by calculating the Chern and Thouless numbers of the quasiparticle states. We find that in the presence of disorder, (spin-)current carrying states exist only at discrete critical energies in the thermodynamic limit, and the spin quantum Hall transition driven by an external Zeeman field has the same critical behavior as the usual integer quantum Hall transition of noninteracting electrons. These critical energies merge and disappear as disorder strength increases, in a manner similar to those in lattice models for integer quantum Hall transition.

Wavefunction statistics and multifractality at the spin quantum Hall transition

The statistical properties of wave functions at the critical point of the spin quantum Hall transition are studied. The main emphasis is put onto determination of the spectrum of multifractal exponents $\Delta_q$ governing the scaling of moments $<|\psi|^{2q}>\sim L^{-qd-\Delta_q}$ with the system size $L$ and the spatial decay of wave function correlations. Two- and three-point correlation functions are calculated analytically by means of mapping onto the classical percolation, yielding the values $\Delta_2=-1/4$ and $\Delta_3=-3/4$. The multifractality spectrum obtained from numerical simulations is given with a good accuracy by the parabolic approximation $\Delta_q\simeq q(1-q)/8$ but shows detectable deviations. We also study statistics of the two-point conductance $g$, in particular, the spectrum of exponents $X_q$ characterizing the scaling of the moments $<g^q >$. Relations between the spectra of critical exponents of wave functions ($\Delta_q$), conductances ($X_q$), and Green functions at the localization transition with a critical density of states are discussed.

Multifractality at the spin quantum Hall transition

Statistical properties of critical wave functions at the spin quantum Hall transition are studied both numerically and analytically (via mapping onto the classical percolation). It is shown that the index $\ensuremath{\eta}$ characterizing the decay of wave function correlations is equal to 1/4, at variance with the ${r}^{\ensuremath{-}1/2}$ decay of the diffusion propagator. The multifractality spectra of eigenfunctions and of two-point conductances are found to be close to parabolic, ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{q}\ensuremath{\simeq}q(1\ensuremath{-}q)/8$ and ${X}_{q}\ensuremath{\simeq}q(3\ensuremath{-}q)/4.$

ExactS-matrices for supersymmetric sigma models and the Potts model

We study the algebraic formulation of exact factorizable S-matrices for integrable two-dimensional field theories. We show that different formulations of the S-matrices for the Potts field theory are essentially equivalent, in the sense that they can be expressed in the same way as elements of the Temperley-Lieb algebra, in various representations. This enables us to construct the S-matrices for certain nonlinear sigma models that are invariant under the Lie ``supersymmetry'' algebras sl(m+n|n) (m=1,2; n>0), both for the bulk and for the boundary, simply by using another representation of the same algebra. These S-matrices represent the perturbation of the conformal theory at theta=pi by a small change in the topological angle theta. The m=1, n=1 theory has applications to the spin quantum Hall transition in disordered fermion systems. We also find S-matrices describing the flow from weak to strong coupling, both for theta=0 and theta=pi, in certain other supersymmetric sigma models.

Renormalization group for network models of quantum Hall transitions

We analyze in detail the renormalization group flows which follow from the recently proposed all orders β functions for the Chalker–Coddington network model. The flows in the physical regime reach a true singularity after a finite scale transformation. Other flows are regular and we identify the asymptotic directions. One direction is in the same universality class as the disordered XY model. The all orders β function is computed for the network model of the spin quantum Hall transition and the flows are shown to have similar properties. It is argued that fixed points of general current–current interactions in 2d should correspond to solutions of the Virasoro master equation. Based on this we identify two coset conformal field theories osp(2 N|2 N) 1/ u(1) 0 and osp(4 N|4 N) 1/ su(2) 0 as possible fixed points and study the resulting multifractal properties. We also obtain a scaling relation between the typical amplitude exponent α 0 and the typical point contact conductance exponent X t which is expected to hold when the density of states is constant.

Exact spectra of conformal supersymmetric nonlinear sigma models in two dimensions

We study two-dimensional nonlinear sigma models in which the target spaces are the coset supermanifolds U(n+m|n)/[ U(1)× U(n+m−1|n)]≅ CP n+m−1|n (projective superspaces) and OSp(2 n+ m|2 n)/OSp(2 n+ m−1|2 n)≅ S 2 n+ m−1|2 n (superspheres), n, m integers, −2⩽ m⩽2; these quantum field theories live in Hilbert spaces with indefinite inner products. These theories possess non-trivial conformally-invariant renormalization-group fixed points, or in some cases, lines of fixed points. Some of the conformal fixed-point theories can also be obtained within Landau–Ginzburg theories. We obtain the complete spectra (with multiplicities) of exact conformal weights of states (or corresponding local operators) in the isolated fixed-point conformal field theories, and at one special point on each of the lines of fixed points. Although the conformal weights are rational, the conformal field theories are not, and (with one exception) do not contain the affine versions of their superalgebras in their chiral algebras. The method involves lattice models that represent the strong-coupling region, which can be mapped to loop models, and then to a Coulomb gas with modified boundary conditions. The results apply to percolation, dilute and dense polymers, and other statistical mechanics models, and also to the spin quantum Hall transition in non-interacting fermions with quenched disorder.

Large N spin quantum Hall effect

We introduce a large N version of the spin quantum Hall transition problem. It is formulated as a problem of Dirac fermions coupled to disorder, whose Hamiltonian belong to the symmetry class C. The fermions carry spin degrees of freedom valued in the algebra sp(2 N), the spin quantum Hall effect corresponding to N=1. Arguments based on renormalization group transformations as well as on a sigma model formulation, valid in the large N limit, indicate the existence of a crossover as N varies. Contrary to the N=1 case, the large N models are shown to lead to localized states at zero energy. We also present a sigma model analysis for the system of Dirac fermions coupled to only sp(2 N) random gauge potentials, which reproduces known exact results.

Quasi-spin-charge separation and the spin quantum Hall effect

We use quantum field theory methods to study the network model for the spin quantum hall transition. When the couplings are fine tuned in a certain way, the spin and charge degrees of freedom, corresponding to the supercurrent algebras su(2) and osp(2|2) respectively, decouple in the renormalization group flow. The infrared fixed point of this simpler theory is the coset osp(4|4)/su(2) which is closely related to the current algebra osp(2|2) but not identical. Some critical exponents are computed and shown to agree with the recent predictions based on percolation.