4
votes
1answer
181 views

Chiral edge state as topological properity of bulk state

As far as I know, quantum hall effect and quantum spin hall effect has chiral edge state. Chiral edge state is usually closely related with delocalization, since back scattering is forbidden. However, ...
7
votes
1answer
211 views

Quantum dimension in topological entanglement entropy

In 2D the entanglement entropy of a simply connected region goes like \begin{align} S_L \to \alpha L - \gamma + \cdots, \end{align} where $\gamma$ is the topological entanglement entropy. $\gamma$ is ...
9
votes
1answer
167 views

Lagrangian for Goldstone mode + topological excitation

The XY-model Hamiltonian is the following, $${\cal H}~=~-J\sum_{\langle i,j\rangle} \cos (\theta_i -\theta_j).$$ The Goldstone mode corresponds to term $(\nabla \theta)^2$ in the effective ...
5
votes
2answers
426 views

How is the topological $Z_2$ invariant related to the Chern number? (e.g. for a topological insulator)

This question relates to the $Z_2$ invariant defined e.g. for topological insulators: Is it correct to relate $Z_2$ = 1 to an odd Chern number and $Z_2$ = 0 to an even Chern number? If yes, is it ...
3
votes
1answer
318 views

Chern number in condensed matter physics

In mathematics, the Chern number is defined in terms of the Chern class of a manifold. What is the exact definition of Chern number in condensed matter physics, i.e. quantum hall system?
7
votes
1answer
283 views

What is topological degeneracy in condensed matter physics?

What is topological degeneracy in strongly correlated systems such as FQH? What is the difference between topological degeneracy and ordinary degeneracy? Why is topological degeneracy important for ...
8
votes
1answer
104 views

Why are topological solitons present in some phases for lattice models?

Over a spatial continuum, it is easy to see why some topological solitons like vortices and monopoles have to be stable. For similar reasons, Skyrmions also have to be stable, with a conserved ...