Efficient prediction of topological superlattice bands with spin-orbit coupling

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Hauptverfasser: Lhachemi, M. Nabil Y., Crépel, Valentin, Cano, Jennifer
Format: Preprint
Veröffentlicht: 2025
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author Lhachemi, M. Nabil Y.
Crépel, Valentin
Cano, Jennifer
author_facet Lhachemi, M. Nabil Y.
Crépel, Valentin
Cano, Jennifer
contents We develop a symmetry indicator framework to efficiently predict the topology of superlattice-induced minibands with spin-orbit coupling. Our algorithm requires input only from the parent material before the superlattice is applied. The simplification arises by assuming a perturbatively weak superlattice potential; however, our results extend beyond the perturbative regime as long as the superlattice-induced gaps remain open. We first consider a time-reversal- and inversion-symmetric system subject to a weak superlattice potential and derive a compact formula for the $\mathbb{Z}_2$ invariant of the lowest miniband. We then extend to time-reversal breaking systems and compute the Chern number. We apply our theory to selected transition metal dichalcogenides, HgTe/CdTe quantum wells, and thin films of three-dimensional topological insulators and Dirac semimetals. We find topological superlattice bands can arise even from non-topological materials, broadening the pool of candidates for realizing topological flat bands. Our theory predicts which geometry and periodicity of superlattice will yield topological bands for a given material, providing a clear guiding principle for designing topological superlattice heterostructures.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2511_17483
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Efficient prediction of topological superlattice bands with spin-orbit coupling
Lhachemi, M. Nabil Y.
Crépel, Valentin
Cano, Jennifer
Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
We develop a symmetry indicator framework to efficiently predict the topology of superlattice-induced minibands with spin-orbit coupling. Our algorithm requires input only from the parent material before the superlattice is applied. The simplification arises by assuming a perturbatively weak superlattice potential; however, our results extend beyond the perturbative regime as long as the superlattice-induced gaps remain open. We first consider a time-reversal- and inversion-symmetric system subject to a weak superlattice potential and derive a compact formula for the $\mathbb{Z}_2$ invariant of the lowest miniband. We then extend to time-reversal breaking systems and compute the Chern number. We apply our theory to selected transition metal dichalcogenides, HgTe/CdTe quantum wells, and thin films of three-dimensional topological insulators and Dirac semimetals. We find topological superlattice bands can arise even from non-topological materials, broadening the pool of candidates for realizing topological flat bands. Our theory predicts which geometry and periodicity of superlattice will yield topological bands for a given material, providing a clear guiding principle for designing topological superlattice heterostructures.
title Efficient prediction of topological superlattice bands with spin-orbit coupling
topic Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.17483