From quantum geometry to non-linear optics and gerbes: Recent advances in topological band theory

Fuente: arXiv
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Autore principale: Bzdušek, Tomáš
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2025
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author Bzdušek, Tomáš
author_facet Bzdušek, Tomáš
contents Topological principles constitute at present an integral component of condensed matter physics, permeating the modern characterization of electronic states while also guiding materials design. In this brief Perspective, I highlight three research threads in single-particle topological band theory that have recently gained momentum: (i) the rise of the quantum geometric tensor, whose components can at present be directly accessed with optical probes; (ii) the notions of delicate and multigap topology, which fall outside the scope of tenfold way and symmetry-based indicators yet leave robust physical fingerprints; and (iii) the consideration of bundle gerbes, which capture formerly overlooked higher-form topological aspects of energy bands. These distinct directions have been elegantly woven together: delicate and multigap topological insulators have peculiar features in quantum geometry that can be conveniently captured by bundle gerbes. This viewpoint exposes the recently identified quantization of a non-linear optical response, and it invites deeper and systematic investigations into geometric and topological aspects of band structures beyond conventional Berryology.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2511_20608
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle From quantum geometry to non-linear optics and gerbes: Recent advances in topological band theory
Bzdušek, Tomáš
Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Topological principles constitute at present an integral component of condensed matter physics, permeating the modern characterization of electronic states while also guiding materials design. In this brief Perspective, I highlight three research threads in single-particle topological band theory that have recently gained momentum: (i) the rise of the quantum geometric tensor, whose components can at present be directly accessed with optical probes; (ii) the notions of delicate and multigap topology, which fall outside the scope of tenfold way and symmetry-based indicators yet leave robust physical fingerprints; and (iii) the consideration of bundle gerbes, which capture formerly overlooked higher-form topological aspects of energy bands. These distinct directions have been elegantly woven together: delicate and multigap topological insulators have peculiar features in quantum geometry that can be conveniently captured by bundle gerbes. This viewpoint exposes the recently identified quantization of a non-linear optical response, and it invites deeper and systematic investigations into geometric and topological aspects of band structures beyond conventional Berryology.
title From quantum geometry to non-linear optics and gerbes: Recent advances in topological band theory
topic Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.20608