arXiv subjects

Chang-geun Oh

Publications and source records attributed to Chang-geun Oh.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Third-harmonic generation in superconductors: Role of quantum geometry in the competition between Higgs mode and quasiparticles

Collective modes in superconductors, such as the Higgs mode, offer deep insights into the nature of condensates. Third-harmonic generation (THG) is a primary tool for probing the Higgs mode, but its signal competes with that of quasiparticle excitations depending on impurity scattering rates. In particular, in the clean regime the standard BCS theory generally predicts the dominance of quasiparticle contributions. Here, we propose and demonstrate that the quantum geometry of electronic bands can be a key mechanism governing this competition. By developing a formalism that explicitly incorporates the quantum metric, and applying it to a tunable model of a dispersive-band superconductor, we show that the quantum metric can dramatically amplify the nonlinear light-Higgs coupling by several orders of magnitude. Our results establish that a large quantum metric can cause the Higgs mode to dominate the THG response, resolving the puzzle of Higgs and quasiparticle competition in the clean regime and identifying band geometry as a crucial ingredient for designing and understanding the nonlinear response of superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2026

Mass-invariant universal optical conductivity from quantum geometry

Mass is a defining property of particles, shaping their fundamental nature and interactions. In condensed matter systems, the effective mass of electrons has long been regarded as a key factor influencing material properties, including their transport and optical responses. In this work, we challenge this conventional wisdom by unveiling a mass-invariant universal optical conductivity, purely derived from quantum geometry, in quadratic band-touching semimetals. Specifically, the optical conductivity simplifies to $σ= (e^2/8\hbar)d^2_\mathrm{max}$, independent of effective mass and other band structure details, where $d_\mathrm{max}$ represents the maximum Hilbert-Schmidt quantum distance. Furthermore, under time-reversal and rotational symmetries, $d_\mathrm{max}$ is restricted to discrete values of 0 or 1, leading to a quantized universal optical conductivity. % We also use first principles calculations to demonstrate the mass-invariant universal optical conductivity across multiple materials, including bilayer graphene, monolayer bismuth, monolayer kagome Pd$_3$P$_2$S$_8$, and other realistic material candidates. % Our work establishes a new class of universal quantities in quantum materials entirely governed by quantum geometry.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2026

Classification of Non-Hermitian Flat Bands

Exact flat bands provide a versatile setting for correlated and topological phenomena, yet their properties are controlled not only by their dispersion but also by the structure of their Bloch projectors. Here, we establish a projector-based classification of non-Hermitian flat bands. In contrast to Hermitian flat bands, non-Hermiticity introduces a biorthogonal projector whose left-right pairing permits a distinct norm-pole singularity. We identify four classes: analytic NH-A, continuous but nonanalytic NH-C, bounded but discontinuous NH-D, and pole-singular NH-E. We show that continuity of the biorthogonal projector preserves the locking of the right, left, and biorthogonal Chern numbers, $C_R=C_L=C_{\rm bi}$, thereby realizing non-Hermitian critical topological flat bands. Once continuity is lost, this locking can break down; in particular, a mismatch $C_R\neq C_L$ can occur in the NH-E class. Finally, we show that this Chern number mismatch ensures to produce an anomalous enhancement of resonant cross-orbital transfer. Our results establish biorthogonal projector regularity as the organizing principle linking compact localized states, topology, and driven response in non-Hermitian flat bands.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Quantum geometry and RKKY in flat bands

Flat conduction bands quench the group velocity and thus challenge conventional, dispersion-driven pictures of the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction, where localized moments are coupled via an effective exchange mediated by conduction electrons. Here we show that RKKY interactions in the flat-band limit are not extinguished by the vanishing group velocity but are instead mediated by the quantum geometry of Bloch states. Starting from a microscopic RKKY derivation, we demonstrate that the Brillouin-zone-averaged quantum metric controls the long-wavelength structure of the static susceptibility, thereby determining the magnetic correlation length and the spin stiffness. As a result, the finite spatial spread of Wannier functions provides an effective long-range coupling channel even when single-particle dispersion is absent. Furthermore, we establish the general principle that the ordering temperature is governed by the quantum metric in finite and low-dimensional samples, effectively circumventing the thermodynamic-limit constraint of the Mermin-Wagner theorem. Specifically, our theoretical investigation reveals that increasing the quantum metric enhances magnetic rigidity and leads to a corresponding rise in the critical temperature within finite-sized systems.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2026

Orbital Embedding and the Physical Definition of Quantum Geometry

The Quantum Geometric Tensor, encompassing the quantum metric and Berry curvature, is a central concept in modern condensed matter physics. However, its standard calculation via $k$-derivatives of the Bloch projector conceals a fundamental ambiguity regarding the choice of unit-cell convention, specifically in the treatment of intra-cell orbital positions (i.e., with or without the orbital position $e^{ikx_α}$). We resolve this inconsistency by introducing a convention-independent physical QGT defined via a covariant derivative that explicitly incorporates the full position operator. We demonstrate that this formulation is uniquely mandated by the microscopic derivation of the physical current via the Peierls substitution. Notably, we uncover a leading-order failure in standard $k \cdot p$ effective theories for systems with bond-ordered gaps, identifying a need for caution in their application. Finally, we propose geometric engineering as a new design paradigm, enabling the independent tuning of geometric responses without altering the energy dispersion.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2026

Klein tunneling in quantum geometric semimetals

Klein tunneling stands as a fundamental probe of relativistic quantum transport in two-dimensional materials. We investigate this phenomenon in quadratic band-touching systems, where the Hilbert-Schmidt quantum distance plays a central role in the underlying mechanism. By employing a generic parabolic model, we systematically disentangle the cooperative effects of intrinsic mass asymmetry and tunable quantum geometry. We demonstrate that mass asymmetry sets the overall transmission profile, including the angular distribution and the resonance channels. In contrast, we show that quantum geometry provides a universal parameter that modulates tunneling efficiency by tuning the quantum distance, while leaving the energy dispersion unchanged. Specifically, quantum geometry plays a dual role: it governs the overall transmission amplitude through pseudospin mismatch, while its interplay with Fabry-Perot interference induces observable shifts in resonance angles. Our findings reveal that incorporating quantum geometry alongside band structure is essential for a complete description of quantum transport.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Magnetic phase transitions driven by quantum geometry

We explore how the quantum geometric properties of the Bloch wave function, characterized by the Hilbert-Schmidt quantum distance, impact magnetic phases in solid-state systems. To this end, we investigate the spin susceptibility within the random phase approximation, considering the onsite Coulomb interaction. We demonstrate that spin susceptibility can be decomposed into a trivial part, dependent solely on the band dispersion, and a geometric part, where the quantum distance plays a crucial role. Focusing on a model of a quadratic band-touching semimetal, we show that a magnetic phase transition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic order can be induced solely by tuning the wavefunction geometry, even while the energy spectrum is held constant. This highlights the versatility of quantum geometry as a mechanism for tuning magnetic properties independent of the energy spectrum. Applying our framework to the Fe-pnictide and kagome lattice models, we further show that the geometric contribution is decisive in stabilizing their known antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic states, respectively. Our work sheds light on the hidden quantum geometric aspects necessary for understanding and engineering magnetic order in quantum materials.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Color and Transparency from Quantum Geometry

The optical properties of solids are governed not only by their energy band dispersions but also by the quantum geometry of Bloch states. While the role of energy bands in determining the perceived optical appearance of materials, such as color and transparency, is well established, the influence of quantum geometry remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the color and transparency of materials can be direct manifestations of their underlying quantum geometry. To illustrate this principle, we employ quadratic band-touching models that allow us to tune only the geometric properties of Bloch states, while keeping the energy dispersion fixed. This decoupling reveals that modifying the wavefunction texture alone can lead to dramatic changes in the optical conductivity and, consequently, in the reflectance spectrum of the material. This results in distinct and controllable changes in perceived color. Similarly, we show that quantum geometry can govern the transparency of two-dimensional materials. Our findings demonstrate how quantum geometry shapes the visual appearance of materials, opening new avenues for tailoring color and transparency beyond traditional band structure design. This establishes quantum geometric engineering as a novel approach for manipulating materials with customized optical functionalities.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Revisiting the magnetic responses of bilayer graphene from the perspective of the quantum distance

We study the influence of the quantum geometry on the magnetic responses of quadratic band crossing semimetals. More explicitly, we examine the Landau levels, quantum Hall effect, and magnetic susceptibility of a general two-band Hamiltonian that has fixed isotropic quadratic band dispersion but with tunable quantum geometry, in which the interband coupling is fully characterized by the maximum quantum distance $d_\mathrm{max}$. By continuously tuning $d_\mathrm{max}$ in the range of $0\leq d_\mathrm{max}\leq 1$, we investigate how the magnetic properties of the free electron model with $d_\mathrm{max}=0$ evolve into those of the bilayer graphene with $d_\mathrm{max}=1$. We demonstrate that despite sharing the same energy dispersion $ε(p) =\pm\frac{p^2}{2m}$, the charge carriers in the free electron model and bilayer graphene exhibit entirely distinct Landau levels and quantum Hall responses due to the nontrivial quantum geometry of the wave functions.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Thermoelectric Transport Driven by Quantum Distance

The geometric characteristics of Bloch wave functions play a crucial role in electronic transport properties. We show that the thermoelectric performance of materials is governed by the geometric structure of Bloch wave functions within the framework of the Boltzmann equation. The essential geometric notion is the Hilbert-Schmidt quantum distance, measuring the resemblance between two quantum states. We establish a geometric characterization of the scattering rate by extending the concept of quantum distance between two states in momentum space at a distance.Employing isotropic quadratic band touching semimetals, where one can concentrate on the role of quantum geometric effects other than the Berry curvature, we find that the response functions for electrical quantum transport and, therefore, the thermoelectric power factor can be succinctly expressed in terms of the maximum quantum distance, $d_\mathrm{max}$. Specifically, when $d_\mathrm{max}$ reaches one, the power factor doubles compared to the case with trivial geometry ($d_\mathrm{max}=0$). Our finding highlights the significance of quantum geometry in improving the performance of thermoelectric devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Revisiting electromagnetic response of superconductors in mean-field approximation

In the standard mean-field treatment of superconductors, the electron-electron interactions are assumed to be written in terms of local density operators. However, more general interactions, such as pair-hopping interactions, may exist or may be generated in a low-energy effective Hamiltonian. In this work, we study the effect of correlated hopping interactions toward the electromagnetic response of superconductors. When only the Hamiltonian after the mean-field approximation is provided, one cannot unambiguously determine its electromagnetic response whenever such interactions are allowed. This work demonstrates that such interactions induce additional terms in the current operator, leading to modifications in the Meissner weight and optical conductivities that deviate from conventional expectations. These results underscore the need for caution when incorporating gauge fields into the BdG Hamiltonian.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2023

General construction scheme for geometrically nontrivial flat band models

A singular flat band(SFB), a distinct class of the flat band, has been shown to exhibit various intriguing material properties characterized by a geometric quantity of the Bloch wave function called the quantum distance. We present a general construction scheme for a tight-binding model hosting an SFB, where the quantum distance profile can be controlled. We first introduce how to build a compact localized state(CLS), a characteristic eigenstate of the flat band, providing the flat band with a band-touching point, where a specific value of the maximum quantum distance is assigned. Then, we develop a scheme designing a tight-binding Hamiltonian hosting an SFB starting from the obtained CLS, satisfying the desired hopping range and symmetries by applying the construction scheme. While the scheme can be applied to any dimensions and lattice structures, we propose several simple SFB models on the square and kagome lattices. Finally, we establish a bulk-boundary correspondence between the maximum quantum distance and the boundary modes for the open boundary condition, which can be used to detect the quantum distance via the electronic structure of the boundary states.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Bulk-interface correspondence from quantum distance in flat band systems

The bulk-boundary correspondence is an integral feature of topological analysis and the existence of boundary or interface modes offers direct insight into the topological structure of the Bloch wave function. While only the topology of the wave function has been considered relevant to boundary modes, we demonstrate that another geometric quantity, the so-called quantum distance, can also host a bulk-interface correspondence. We consider a generic class of two-dimensional flat band systems, where the flat band has a parabolic band-crossing with another dispersive band. While such flat bands are known to be topologically trivial, we show that the nonzero maximum quantum distance between the eigenstates of the flat band around the touching point guarantees the existence of boundary modes at the interfaces between two domains with different chemical potentials or different maximum quantum distance. Moreover, the maximum quantum distance can predict even the explicit form of the dispersion relation and decay length of the interface modes.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2021

Symmetry-Protected Solitons and Bulk-Boundary Correspondence in Generalized Jackiw-Rebbi Models

We investigate the roles of symmetry and bulk-boundary correspondence in characterizing topological edge states in generalized Jackiw-Rebbi (JR) models. We show that time-reversal ($T$), charge-conjugation ($C$), parity ($P$), and discrete internal field rotation ($Z_n$) symmetries protect and characterize the various types of edge states such as chiral and nonchiral solitons via bulk-boundary correspondence in the presence of the multiple vacua. As two representative models, we consider the JR model composed of a single fermion field having a complex mass and the generalized JR model with two massless but interacting fermion fields. The JR model shows nonchiral solitons with the $Z_2$ rotation symmetry, whereas it shows chiral solitons with the broken $Z_2$ rotation symmetry. In the generalized JR model, only nonchiral solitons can emerge with only $Z_2$ rotation symmetry, whereas both chiral and nonchiral solitons can exist with enhanced $Z_4$ rotation symmetry. Moreover, we find that the nonchiral solitons have $C, P$ symmetries while the chiral solitons do not, which can be explained by the symmetry-invariant lines connecting degenerate vacua. Finally, we find the symmetry correspondence between multiply-degenerate global vacua and solitons such that ${T}$, ${C}$, ${P}$ symmetries of a soliton inherit from global minima that are connected by the soliton, which provides a novel tool for the characterization of topological solitons.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗