arXiv subjects

C. L. Kane

Publications and source records attributed to C. L. Kane.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Three-point density correlations in a weakly interacting 2D Fermi liquid

We study the three-point equal-time correlations of the density in a weakly interacting spin 1/2 Fermi gas and present two new results. First, we compute the three-point correlation for the total density $\rho = \rho_\uparrow + \rho_\downarrow$ exactly as a function of momentum to first order in a dimensionless interaction parameter ${\cal I}$. This generalizes a previous result that related the three-point function to the Landau Fermi liquid parameters $F_0^s$ and $F_0^a$ and applied in a certain long-wavelength collinear limit. Second, we compute the leading order ${\cal O}({\cal I}^3)$ interaction correction to the same-spin three-point correlation function in the long-wavelength collinear limit. These results are directly relevant to current experiments on atomic Fermi gases using quantum gas microscopy.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Flux attachment theory of fractional excitonic insulators

The search for fractional quantized Hall phases in the absence of a magnetic field has primarily targeted flat-band systems that mimic the features of a Landau level. In an alternative approach, the fractional excitonic insulator (FEI) has been proposed as a correlated electron-hole fluid that arises near a band inversion between bands of different angular momentum with strong interactions. It remains an interesting challenge to find Hamiltonians with realistic interactions that stabilize this state. Here, we describe composite boson and composite fermion theories that highlight the importance of $(p_x+ip_y)^m$ excitonic pairing in stabilizing FEIs in a class of band inversion models. We predict a sequence of Jain-like and Laughlin-like FEI states, the simplest of which has the topological order of the bosonic $ν=1/2$ fractional quantized Hall state. We discuss implications for recent numerical studies on a chiral spin liquid phase in interacting Chern insulator models.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Quantized Nonlinear Conductance in Ballistic Metals

We introduce a non-linear frequency dependent D+1 terminal conductance that characterizes a D dimensional Fermi gas, generalizing the Landauer conductance in D=1. For a 2D ballistic conductor we show that this conductance is quantized and probes the Euler characteristic of the Fermi sea. We critically address the roles of electrical contacts and of Fermi liquid interactions, and we propose experiments on 2D Dirac materials such as graphene using a triple point contact geometry.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Imaging the Néel vector switching in the monolayer antiferromagnet MnPSe$_3$ with strain-controlled Ising order

The family of monolayer two-dimensional (2D) materials hosts a wide range of interesting phenomena, including superconductivity, charge density waves, topological states and ferromagnetism, but direct evidence for antiferromagnetism in the monolayer has been lacking. Nevertheless, antiferromagnets have attracted enormous interest recently in spintronics due to the absence of stray fields and their terahertz resonant frequency. Despite the great advantages of antiferromagnetic spintronics, controlling and detecting Néel vectors have been limited in bulk materials. In this work, we developed a sensitive second harmonic generation (SHG) microscope and detected long-range Néel antiferromagnetic (AFM) order and Néel vector switching down to the monolayer in MnPSe$_3$. Temperature-dependent SHG measurement in repetitive thermal cooling surprisingly collapses into two curves, which correspond to the switching of an Ising type Néel vector reversed by the time-reversal operation, instead of a six-state clock ground state expected from the threefold rotation symmetry in the structure. We imaged the spatial distribution of the Néel vectors across samples and rotated them by an arbitrary angle irrespective of the lattice in the sample plane by applying strain. By studying both a Landau theory and a microscopic model that couples strain to nearest-neighbor exchange, we conclude that the phase transition of the XY model in the presence of strain falls into the Ising universality class instead of the XY one, which could explain the extreme strain tunability. Finally, we found that the 180° AFM domain walls are highly mobile down to the monolayer after thermal cycles, paving the way for future control of the antiferromagnetic domains by strain or external fields on demand for ultra-compact 2D AFM terahertz spintronics.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Equivalent critical behavior of a helical point contact and a two-channel Luttinger liquid - topological superconductor junction

We demonstrate the equivalence between two distinct Luttinger liquid impurity problems. The first concerns a one-dimensional topological superconductor coupled at one end to the ends of two single channel Luttinger liquids. The second concerns a point contact in the quantum spin Hall effect, where four helical Luttinger liquids meet at a point. Both problems have been studied previously and exhibit several stable phases depending on the Luttinger parameter K, that can be characterized in terms of simple conformally invariant boundary conditions describing perfect normal (or Andreev) transmission or reflection. In addition, both problems exhibit critical points that are described by "intermediate" fixed points similar to those found in earlier studies of an impurity in a Luttinger liquid with spin. Though these two models have different symmetries and numbers of modes, we show they are equivalent and are related by a duality transformation, and we show that the non-trivial intermediate critical points are the same. In the non-interacting limit, K=1, the duality involves two distinct free fermion representations that are related by a non-local transformation that derives from the triality of SO(8). Using the explicit translation between the two theories, we translate results from one problem to the other and vice versa. This allows us to make new predictions about the topological superconductor-Luttinger liquid junction, including predictions about the global behavior of the critical conductance G*(K), as well predictions for the critical exponents and universal crossover scaling functions. In this paper we introduce both models from scratch, using a common notation that facilitates their comparison, and we discuss in detail the dualities that relate them, along with their free fermion limits. We close with a discussion of open problems and future directions.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2018

Higher angular momentum band inversions in two dimensions

We study a special class of topological phase transitions in two dimensions described by the inversion of bands with relative angular momentum higher than 1. A band inversion of this kind, which is protected by rotation symmetry, separates the trivial insulator from a Chern insulating phase with higher Chern number, and thus generalizes the quantum Hall transition described by a Dirac fermion. Higher angular momentum band inversions are of special interest, as the non-vanishing density of states at the transition can give rise to interesting many-body effects. Here we introduce a series of minimal lattice models which realize higher angular momentum band inversions. We then consider the effect of interactions, focusing on the possibility of electron-hole exciton condensation, which breaks rotational symmetry. An analysis of the excitonic insulator mean field theory further reveals that the ground state of the Chern insulating phase with higher Chern number has the structure of a multicomponent integer quantum Hall state. We conclude by generalizing the notion of higher angular momentum band inversions to the class time-reversal invariant systems, following the scheme of Bernevig-Hughes-Zhang (BHZ). Such band inversions can be viewed as transitions to a topological insulator protected by rotation and inversion symmetry, and provide a promising venue for realizing correlated topological phases such as fractional topological insulators.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

Fractional Excitonic Insulator

We argue that a correlated fluid of electrons and holes can exhibit a fractional quantum Hall effect at zero magnetic field analogous to the Laughlin state at filling $1/m$. We introduce a variant of the Laughlin wavefunction for electrons and holes and show that for $m=1$ it is the exact ground state of a free fermion model that describes $p_x + i p_y$ excitonic pairing. For $m>1$ we develop a simple composite fermion mean field theory, and we present evidence that our wavefunction correctly describes this phase. We derive an interacting Hamiltonian for which our wavefunction is the exact ground state, and we present physical arguments that the $m=3$ state can be realized in a system in which energy bands with angular momentum that differ by $3$ cross at the Fermi energy. This leads to a gapless state with $(p_x + i p_y)^3$ excitonic pairing, which we argue is conducive to forming the fractional excitonic insulator in the presence of interactions. Prospects for numerics on model systems and band structure engineering to realize this phase in real materials are discussed.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2018

Wallpaper Fermions and the Nonsymmorphic Dirac Insulator

Recent developments in the relationship between bulk topology and surface crystal symmetry have led to the discovery of materials whose gapless surface states are protected by crystal symmetries. In fact, there exists only a very limited set of possible surface crystal symmetries, captured by the 17 "wallpaper groups." We show that a consideration of symmetry-allowed band degeneracies in the wallpaper groups can be used to understand previous topological crystalline insulators, as well as to predict new examples. In particular, the two wallpaper groups with multiple glide lines, $pgg$ and $p4g$, allow for a new topological insulating phase, whose surface spectrum consists of only a single, fourfold-degenerate, true Dirac fermion. Like the surface state of a conventional topological insulator, the surface Dirac fermion in this "nonsymmorphic Dirac insulator" provides a theoretical exception to a fermion doubling theorem. Unlike the surface state of a conventional topological insulator, it can be gapped into topologically distinct surface regions while keeping time-reversal symmetry, allowing for networks of topological surface quantum spin Hall domain walls. We report the theoretical discovery of new topological crystalline phases in the A$_2$B$_3$ family of materials in SG 127, finding that Sr$_2$Pb$_3$ hosts this new topological surface Dirac fermion. Furthermore, (100)-strained Au$_2$Y$_3$ and Hg$_2$Sr$_3$ host related topological surface hourglass fermions. We also report the presence of this new topological hourglass phase in Ba$_5$In$_2$Sb$_6$ in SG 55. For orthorhombic space groups with two glides, we catalog all possible bulk topological phases by a consideration of the allowed non-abelian Wilson loop connectivities, and we develop topological invariants for these systems. Finally, we show how in a particular limit, these crystalline phases reduce to copies of the SSH model.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

The Dirac-Weyl semimetal: Coexistence of Dirac and Weyl fermions in polar hexagonal $ABC$ crystals

We propose that the noncentrosymmetric LiGaGe-type hexagonal $ABC$ crystal SrHgPb realizes a new type of topological semimetal that hosts both Dirac and Weyl points in momentum space. The symmetry-protected Dirac points arise due to a band inversion and are located on the sixfold rotation $z$-axis, whereas the six pairs of Weyl points related by sixfold symmetry are located on the perpendicular $k_z=0$ plane. By studying the electronic structure as a function of the buckling of the HgPb layer, which is the origin of inversion symmetry breaking, we establish that the coexistence of Dirac and Weyl fermions defines a phase separating two topologically distinct Dirac semimetals. These two Dirac semimetals are distinguished by the $\mathbb{Z}_2$ index of the $k_z=0$ plane and the corresponding presence or absence of 2D Dirac fermions on side surfaces. We formalize our first-principles calculations by deriving and studying a low-energy model Hamiltonian describing the Dirac-Weyl semimetal phase. We conclude by proposing several other materials in the non-centrosymmetric $ABC $ material class, in particular SrHgSn and CaHgSn, as candidates for realizing the Dirac-Weyl semimetal.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2018

Fibonacci Topological Superconductor

We introduce a model of interacting Majorana fermions that describes a superconducting phase with a topological order characterized by the Fibonacci topological field theory. Our theory, which is based on a $SO(7)_1/(G_2)_1$ coset factorization, leads to a solvable one dimensional model that is extended to two dimensions using a network construction. In addition to providing a description of the Fibonacci phase without parafermions, our theory predicts a closely related "anti-Fibonacci" phase, whose topological order is characterized by the tricritical Ising model. We show that Majorana fermions can split into a pair of Fibonacci anyons, and propose an interferometer that generalizes the $Z_2$ Majorana interferometer and directly probes the Fibonacci non-Abelian statistics.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Spin-Orbit Semimetals in the Layer Groups

Recent interest in point and line node semimetals has led to the proposal and discovery of these phenomena in numerous systems. Frequently, though, these nodal systems are described in terms of individual properties reliant on specific space group intricacies or band-tuning conditions. Restricting ourselves to cases with strong spin-orbit interaction, we develop a general framework which captures existing systems and predicts new examples of nodal materials. In many previously proposed systems, the three-dimensional nature of the space group has obscured key generalities. Therefore, we show how within our framework one can predict and characterize a diverse set of nodal phenomena even in two-dimensional systems constructed of three-dimensional sites, known as the "Layer Groups". Expanding on an existing discussion by Watanabe, Po, Vishwanath, and Zaletel of the relationship between minimal insulating filling, nonsymmorphic symmetries, and compact flat manifolds, we characterize the allowed semimetallic structures in the layer groups and draw connections to related three-dimensional systems.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Universal Symmetry-Protected Resonances in a Spinful Luttinger Liquid

We study the problem of resonant tunneling through a quantum dot in a spinful Luttinger liquid. For a range of repulsive interactions, we find that for symmetric barriers there exist resonances with a universal peak conductance $2g^* e^2/h$ that are controlled by a non-trivial intermediate fixed point. This fixed point is also a quantum critical point separating symmetry-protected topological phases. By tuning the system through resonance, all SPT phases can be accessed. For a particular interaction strength with Luttinger parameters $g_ρ=1/3$ and $g_σ=1$, we show that the problem is equivalent to a two channel $SU(3)$ Kondo problem($SU(3)_2$ CFT). At the Toulouse limit, both problems can be mapped to a quantum Brownian motion model on a Kagome lattice, which in turn is related to the quantum Brownian motion on a honeycomb lattice and the three-channel $SU(2)$ Kondo problem($SU(2)_3$ CFT). "Level-rank duality" in the quantum Brownian motion model relating $SU(2)_k$ CFT to $SU(k)_2$ CFT is also explored. Utilizing the boundary conformal field theory, the on-resonance conductance of our resonant tunneling problem is calculated as well as the scaling dimension of the leading relevant operator. This allows us to compute the scaling behavior of the resonance line-shape as a function of temperature.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Topological phonons and Weyl lines in 3 dimensions

Topological mechanics and phononics have recently emerged as an exciting field of study. Here we introduce and study generalizations of the three-dimensional pyrochlore lattice that have topologically protected edge states and Weyl lines in their bulk phonon spectra, which lead to zero surface modes that flip from one edge to the opposite as a function of surface wavenumber.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2015

Double Dirac Semimetals in Three Dimensions

We study a class of Dirac semimetals that feature an eightfold-degenerate double Dirac point. We show that 7 of the 230 space groups can host such Dirac points and argue that they all generically display linear dispersion. We introduce an explicit tight-binding model for space groups 130 and 135, showing that 135 can host an intrinsic double Dirac semimetal -- one with no additional degeneracies at the Fermi energy. We consider symmetry-lowering perturbations and show that uniaxial compressive strain in different directions leads to topologically distinct insulating phases. In addition, the double Dirac semimetal can accommodate topological line defects that bind helical modes. Potential materials realizations are discussed.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Critical Behavior of Four-Terminal Conductance of Bilayer Graphene Domain Walls

Bilayer graphene in a perpendicular electric field can host domain walls between regions of reversed field direction or interlayer stacking. The gapless modes propagating along these domain walls, while not strictly topological, nevertheless have interesting physical properties, including valley-momentum locking. A junction where two domain walls intersect forms the analogue of a quantum point contact. We study theoretically the critical behavior of this junction near the pinch-off transition, which is controlled by two separate classes of non-trivial quantum critical points. For strong interactions, the junction can host phases of unique charge and valley conductances. For weaker interactions, the low-temperature charge conductance can undergo one of two possible quantum phase transitions, each characterized by a specific critical exponent and a collapse to a universal scaling function, which we compute.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Dirac Line Nodes in Inversion Symmetric Crystals

We propose and characterize a new $\mathbb{Z}_2$ class of topological semimetals with a vanishing spin--orbit interaction. The proposed topological semimetals are characterized by the presence of bulk one-dimensional (1D) Dirac Line Nodes (DLNs) and two-dimensional (2D) nearly-flat surface states, protected by inversion and time--reversal symmetries. We develop the $\mathbb{Z}_2$ invariants dictating the presence of DLNs based on parity eigenvalues at the parity--invariant points in reciprocal space. Moreover, using first-principles calculations, we predict DLNs to occur in Cu$_3$N near the Fermi energy by doping non-magnetic transition metal atoms, such as Zn and Pd, with the 2D surface states emerging in the projected interior of the DLNs. This paper includes a brief discussion of the effects of spin--orbit interactions and symmetry-breaking as well as comments on experimental implications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Layered Topological Crystalline Insulators

Topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) are insulating materials whose topological property relies on generic crystalline symmetries. Based on first-principles calculations, we study a three-dimensional (3D) crystal constructed by stacking two-dimensional TCI layers. Depending on the inter-layer interaction, the layered crystal can realize diverse 3D topological phases characterized by two mirror Chern numbers (MCNs) ($μ_1,μ_2$) defined on inequivalent mirror-invariant planes in the Brillouin zone. As an example, we demonstrate that new TCI phases can be realized in layered materials such as a PbSe (001) monolayer/h-BN heterostructure and can be tuned by mechanical strain. Our results shed light on the role of the MCNs on inequivalent mirror-symmetric planes in reciprocal space and open new possibilities for finding new topological materials.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

Time-Reversal-Invariant $Z_4$ Fractional Josephson Effect

We study the Josephson junction mediated by the quantum spin Hall edge states and show that electron-electron interactions lead to a dissipationless fractional Josephson effect in the presence of time-reversal symmetry. Surprisingly, the periodicity is $8π$, corresponding to a Josephson frequency $eV/2\hbar$. We estimate the magnitude of interaction induced many-body level splitting responsible for this effect and argue that it can be measured using tunneling spectroscopy. For strong interactions we show that the Josephson effect is associated with the weak tunneling of charge $e/2$ quasiparticles between the superconductors. Our theory describes a fourfold ground state degeneracy that is similar to that of coupled "fractional" Majorana modes, but is protected by time reversal symmetry.

cond-mat.supr-con↗