Anomalous localization at the boundary of an interacting topological insulator
ORAL
Abstract
The boundary of a topological insulator (TI) hosts an anomaly restricting its possible phases: e.g. 3D strong and weak TIs maintain surface conductivity at any disorder if symmetry is preserved on-average, at least when electron interactions on the surface are weak. However the interplay of strong interactions and disorder with the boundary anomaly has not been well studied theoretically. Here we present our results on this combination, for the edge of a 2D TI and the surface of a 3D weak TI, showing how it can lead to an "Anomalous Many Body Localized" (AMBL) phase that preserves the anomaly. We discuss its anomaly manifestation, predictions for experimental observations, and theoretical consequences for understanding 3D TIs and anomaly restrictions.
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Presenters
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Itamar Kimchi
University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Physics, University of Colorado
Authors
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Itamar Kimchi
University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Physics, University of Colorado
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Yang-Zhi Chou
University of Maryland, Physics, University of Maryland College Park, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park
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Rahul Nandkishore
Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, University of Colorado Boulder
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Leo Radzihovsky
University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder