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Topological invariants and edge modes at quantum criticality

ORAL

Abstract

It is sometimes presumed that a finite correlation length is essential to stabilizing topological phenomena. This applies even to well-studied topological semi-metals, where one appeals to gapped degrees of freedom (in momentum-space). In this talk, I will show that this common wisdom is not justified: topological invariants and edge modes can survive at phase transitions. This leads to the novel notion of symmetry-enriched quantum criticality, examples of which are hiding in plain sight.

Presenters

  • Ruben Verresen

    Department of Physics, Harvard university, Harvard University, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich

Authors

  • Ruben Verresen

    Department of Physics, Harvard university, Harvard University, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich

  • Ryan Thorngren

    Harvard CMSA

  • Nick G. Jones

    University of Bristol

  • Frank Pollmann

    Physics, Technische Universitat Munchen, TU Munich, Technical University of Munich, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Tech Univ Muenchen, Department of Physics, T42, Technical University of Munich, D-85748 Garching, Germany

  • Ashvin Vishwanath

    Harvard University, Physics, Harvard University, Department of Physics, Harvard University