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arXiv · 2209.00026

Topological Field Theories of Three-Dimensional Rotation Symmetric Insulators: Coupling Curvature and Electromagnetism

Julian May-Mann·Mark R. Hirsbrunner·Xuchen Cao·Taylor L. Hughes
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Abstract

Quantized responses are important tools for understanding and characterizing the universal features of topological phases of matter. In this work, we consider a class of topological crystalline insulators in $3$D with $C_n$ lattice rotation symmetry along a fixed axis, in addition to either mirror symmetry or particle-hole symmetry. These insulators can realize quantized mixed geometry-charge responses. When the surface of these insulators is gapped, disclinations on the surface carry a fractional charge that is half the minimal amount that can occur in purely $2$D systems. Similarly, disclination lines in the bulk carry a fractionally quantized electric polarization. These effects, and other related phenomena, are captured by a $3$D topological response term that couples the lattice curvature to the electromagnetic field strength. Additionally, mirror symmetric insulators with this response can be smoothly deformed into a higher-order octopole insulator with quantized corner charges. We also construct a symmetry indicator form for the topological invariant that describes the quantized response of the mirror symmetric topological crystalline insulators, and discuss an unusual response quantization in time-reversal breaking systems.

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Julian May-Mann, Mark R. Hirsbrunner, Xuchen Cao, Taylor L. Hughes. 2022-08-31. Topological Field Theories of Three-Dimensional Rotation Symmetric Insulators: Coupling Curvature and Electromagnetism. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.107.205149

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