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Proximity-induced zero-energy states indistinguishable from topological edge states

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Autor(es):
Califrer, Igor J. ; Penteado, Poliana H. ; Carlos Egues, J. ; Chen, Wei
Número total de Autores: 4
Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
Fonte: PHYSICAL REVIEW B; v. 107, n. 4, p. 9-pg., 2023-01-03.
Resumo

When normal metals (NMs) are attached to topological insulators or topological superconductors, it is conceivable that the quantum states in these finite adjacent materials can intermix. In this case-and because the NM usually does not possess the same symmetry as the topological material-it is pertinent to ask whether zero-energy edge states in the topological layer are affected by the presence of the NM. To address this issue, we consider three prototype systems simulated by tight-binding models, namely a Su-Schrieffer-Heeger/NM, a Kitaev/NM, and a Chern insulator/NM. For all junctions investigated, we find that there exist trivial "fine-tuned" zero-energy states in the NM layer that can percolate into the topological region, thus mimicking a topological state. These zero-energy states are created by fine-tuning the NM chemical potential such that some of the NM states cross zero energy; they can occur even when the topological material is in the topologically trivial phase, and exist over a large region of the topological phase diagram. Interestingly, the true Majorana end modes of the Kitaev/NM model cannot be crossed by any NM state, as the NM metal layer in this case does not break particle-hole symmetry. On the other hand, when the chiral symmetry of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chain is broken by the attached NM, crossings are allowed. In addition, even in Chern insulators that do not preserve nonspatial symmetries, but the topological edge state self-generates a symmetry eigenvalue, such a fine-tuned zero-energy state can still occur. Our results indicate that when a topological material is attached to a metallic layer, one has to be cautious as to identify true topological edge states merely from their energy spectra and wave function profiles near the interface. (AU)

Processo FAPESP: 20/00841-9 - Oscilações de Shubnikov-de-Haas em sistemas eletrônicos de isolantes topológicos e não topológicos
Beneficiário:José Carlos Egues de Menezes
Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
Processo FAPESP: 16/08468-0 - Isolantes topológicos e férmions de Majorana
Beneficiário:José Carlos Egues de Menezes
Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular