arXiv subjects

Ying-Tao Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Ying-Tao Zhang.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Anti-higher-order topological insulators

Duality is a fundamental concept in physics that connects complementary opposites like particles and holes. Similarly, while topological states in topological insulators localize at boundaries, the existence and nature of their dual counterparts remain unexplored. Here, we introduce anti-topological states as the dual of topological states, exemplified by anti-higher-order topological insulators. Unlike higher-order topological insulators, where states localize at corners, anti-higher-order topological insulators host states along edges but absent at corners, realizing an inverted distribution of states. We demonstrate this phenomenon in a bilayer Chern insulator with opposite Chern numbers, where the band inversion surfaces enclose distinct high-symmetry points. The topological invariant distinguishing these phases is given by the topological charges enclosed by band inversion surfaces. This work establishes anti-topology as a new paradigm, opening a chapter in topological research.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2026

Second-order topological insulator induced by compensated altermagnetism without bulk spin splitting

We theoretically demonstrate a second-order topological insulating phase induced by compensated altermagnetism, while keeping the bulk gap unchanged, in a two-dimensional topological insulator film. By introducing a layer-resolved out-of-plane $d$-wave altermagnetic term with opposite signs on the top and bottom layers, the system preserves $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry and maintains spin degeneracy in the bulk bands, while simultaneously gapping the helical edge states and generating localized corner states. The resulting higher-order phase is characterized by nonzero mirror-graded winding numbers, and an effective edge theory shows that the corner states arise from Dirac mass domain walls. We further determine the phase boundaries analytically and construct the corresponding topological phase diagram, establishing a robust route to higher-order topology without bulk spin splitting.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2026

Tunable two-dimensional Dirac-Weyl semimetal phase induced by altermagnetism

We demonstrate a tunable Dirac-Weyl semimetal phase in two dimensions, realized by introducing in-plane d-wave altermagnetism into a Dirac system. This phase hosts both a central Dirac point and momentumseparated Weyl points connected by Fermi line edge states. The Weyl point positions--and thus the edge-state connectivity--can be continuously tuned by rotating the altermagnetic axis. In contrast, out-of-plane altermagnetism gaps part of the bulk spectrum while preserving a single Dirac point accompanied by chiral edge modes, as evidenced by quantized edge polarization. Our findings provide a tunable platform for manipulating Dirac-Weyl physics and topological edge transport in two dimensions.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Characterizing second-order topological insulators via entanglement topological invariant in two-dimensional systems

Higher-order topological insulators have attracted significant interest in recent years. However, identifying a universal topological invariant capable of characterizing higher-order topology remains challenging. Here, we propose a entanglement topological invariant designed to characterize secondorder topological systems. This entanglement topological invariant captures the entanglement of topological corner states under open boundary conditions by employing a bipartite entanglement entropy method. In several representative models, the entanglement topological invariant assumes a nonzero value exclusively in the presence of second-order topology, with its magnitude exactly matching the number of topologically protected corner states. Consequently, the proposed entanglement topological invariant not only provides a clear criterion for detecting higher-order topology, but also offers a quantitative measure for the related corner states. Our study establishes a universal and precise method for characterizing higher-order topological phases, opening avenues for their fundamental understanding and future investigations.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Two-Dimensional Higher-Order Topological Metals

We investigate the energy band structure and energy levels of graphene with staggered intrinsic spin-orbit coupling and in-plane Zeeman fields. Our study demonstrates that staggered intrinsic spin-orbit coupling induces bulk band crossover at the the $ K $ and $ K' $ valleys and generates antihelical edge states at the zigzag boundaries, resulting in topological metallic phases. Quantized transport coefficients confirm the existence of these antihelical edge states. Furthermore, an in-plane Zeeman field, regardless of orientation, opens a gap in the antihelical edge states while preserving bulk band closure, leading to higher-order topological metals with corner states. We also validate the presence of these corner states in nanoflakes with zigzag boundaries and confirm the metallic phases with crossed bands through a continuum low-energy model analysis.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Two-dimensional Dirac semimetals with tunable edge states

We theoretically propose a design for two-dimensional Dirac semimetals using a bilayer-modified Bernevig-Hughes-Zhang (BHZ) model. By introducing new sites into the BHZ model, we engineer flat bands at the Fermi energy. In the bilayer system, interlayer coupling separates these flat bands, resulting in two Dirac points that preserve time-reversal and inversion symmetries. Two Dirac points are connected by a one-dimensional Fermi arc edge state, whose bound nature is confirmed by quantized transmission resonance peaks. Notably, the position of the Dirac points can be precisely tuned by adjusting interlayer coupling strengths and symmetries.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Tunable Majorana corner states driven by superconducting phase bias in a vertical Josephson junction

The realization and manipulation of Majorana zero modes is a key step in achieving topological quantum computation. In this paper, we demonstrate the existence of Majorana corner states in a superconductor-insulators-superconductor vertical Josephson junction. The position of these Majorana corner states can be precisely and easily controlled by the superconducting phase bias, which be confirmed through both numerical and edge state theoretical analysis. In addition, we propose a protocol for achieving topological braiding of the Majorana corner states in a system of three circular vertical Josephson junctions. Our findings advance the field of topological quantum computation by providing new insights into the efficient and precise manipulation of Majorana corner states.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2025

Quantum spin Hall effect in bilayer honeycomb lattices with C-type antiferromagnetic order

We propose a scheme to realize time-reversal symmetry-broken quantum spin Hall insulators using bilayer honeycomb lattices, combining intrinsic spin-orbit coupling, C-type antiferromagnetic ordering, and staggered potentials. The C-type antiferromagnetic order emerges from the interplay between intralayer antiferromagnetism and interlayer ferromagnetism. The system's topological properties are characterized by the spin Chern number. We present the topological phase diagram of the bilayer honeycomb lattice, providing a detailed insight into the stability and tunability of the quantum spin Hall effect in this system. The presence of helical edge states is confirmed by the measurement of quantized longitudinal resistance values of 3/2(h/e2) and 1/2(h/e2) in a sixterminal Hall-bar device. Remarkably, this quantum spin Hall insulator phase is protected by interlayer parity-time (PT) symmetry, despite the breaking of time-reversal symmetry.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Two-dimensional higher-order Weyl semimetals

We propose a theoretical scheme to realize two-dimensional higher-order Weyl semimetals using a trilayer topological insulator film coupled with a d-wave altermagnet. Our results show that the trilayer topological insulator exhibits two-dimensional Weyl semimetal characteristics with helical edge states. Notably, the Weyl points are located at four high-symmetry points in the Brillouin zone, and the topology of symmetric subspaces governs the formation of these Weyl points and edge states. Upon introducing a d-wave altermagnet oriented along the z-direction, gaps open in the helical edge states while preserving two Weyl points, leading to the realization of two-dimensional higher-order Weyl semimetals hosting topological corner states. The nonzero winding number in the subspace along the high-symmetry line serves as a topological invariant characterizing these corner states, and the other subspace Hamiltonian confirms the existence of the Weyl points. Finally, a topological phase diagram provides a complete topological description of the system.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Topological phase transition driven by magnetic field in one-dimensional topological superconductor rings

We study the energy spectrum and transport property of a one-dimensional Kitaev quantum ring in a threading magnetic field. It is demonstrated that the magnetic field can effectively induce topological phase transitions for the ring in the topologically nontrivial phase at the zero magnetic field. However, for the ring in the topologically trivial phase at the zero field, there is no topological phase transition, and the energy spectrum of the system is always gapped. The magnetic field can control the appearance and disappearance of Majorana zero-energy states in the Kitaev quantum ring, when one half of the ring is in the topologically nontrivial phase and the other half is in the topologically trivial phase. Furthermore, we calculate the transport properties of the ring connected by two semi-infinite leads. It is found that the resonant peaks of transmission coefficient TQT correspond to the critical points of topological phase transition. In addition, we extend our findings to a more realistic quantum ring adopting a semiconductor nanowire with high spin-orbit coupling, superconducting s-wave pairing, and Zeeman splitting, and prove that our findings are universal.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Second-order topological corner states in zigzag graphene nanoflake with different types of edge magnetic configurations

We study the energy spectrum and energy levels of the extended Kane-Mele model with magnetic atoms on their zigzag edges. It is demonstrated that the edges of ferromagnetism or antiferromagnetism are enough to break the time-reversal symmetry and host one-dimensional gapped edge states. Thus, a second-order topological phase transition could happen, which leads to the emergence of topological in-gap zero-dimensional corner states. We also prove that the in-gap corner states are robust against corner defects and magnetic disorder. Our proposal based on the edge antiferromagnetism shows that the high-order topological states can be realized, although the net magnetization of the material is zero. In addition, we discuss the influence of spin magnetization orientation on the degeneracy and energy of in-gap corner states.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Engineering topologically protected zero-dimensional interface end states in antiferromagnetic heterojunction graphene nanoflakes

We investigate the energy band structure and energy levels of a heterojunction composed of two antiferromagnetic graphene nanoflakes with opposite in-plane antiferromagnetic orderings, in which the modified Kane-Mele model is employed. Before forming an antiferromagnetic graphene heterojunction, the energy gap of helical edge states in each isolated graphene nanoflake are opened by the antiferromagnetic ordering and there is no the in-gap corner state. We find that when two opposite antiferromagnetic graphenes are coupled to form a heterojunction nanoflake, topologically protected zero-dimensional in-gap states can be induced. In addition, we demonstrate that the in-gap states locate at the end of the interface and are robust against magnetic disorder, Anderson disorder, and interfacial magnetic defects. The position and number of the in-gap interface end states in the heterojunction sample can be precise quantum controlled.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Universal theory of tunable second-order topological corner states induced by interlayer coupling in twist bilayer Chern insulators

We propose a universal theory for tunable second-order topological corner states induced by interlayer coupling in bilayer Chern insulators with opposite Chern numbers. We demonstrate that the existence of the topological corner state is determined by the relationship between the twist angle of the bilayer Chern insulators and the normal angles of the two sides of the corner. In addition, the position of these corner states can be sensitively controlled by the twist angle, as confirmed by a rigorous analysis of edge state theory. Our findings serve as a universal theory, opening avenues for the design and realization of higher-order topological materials.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Realization of the Non-endpoint Majorana Bound States in an Extended Kitaev Chain

We study the energy levels and transport properties of an extended Kitaev chain with a phase gradient. It is demonstrated that the hopping phase difference can effectively induce the generation of Majorana bound states, which are located at the non-endpoint sites of the chain. The number and positions of the non-endpoint Majorana bound states can be modulated by the hopping phase difference and initial hopping phase, respectively. In addition, we propose a protocol to realize topological braiding operation by exchanging the positions of two Majorana bound states in the extended Kitaev ring. Furthermore, we also implement the braiding of any two of the multiple Majorana bound states in the extended Kitaev double rings.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

The General Principle behind Magnetization-induced Second-Order Topological Corner States in the Kane-Mele Model

We propose a general principle for realizing second-order topological corner states in the modified Kane-Mele model with magnetization. It is demonstrated that the sign of the edge Dirac mass depends on the magnetization of the edge sublattice termination. By adjusting the directions of magnetization according to the type of sublattice at the termination of two edges, a mass domain wall can be induced in the presence of topological corner states at an arbitrary position. All previous work on introducing magnetization in the Kane-Mele model to realize second-order topological corner states can be explained by the presence of the Dirac mass domain wall with opposite signs. Applying this principle, we design square-shaped and armchair-type hexagon-shaped graphene nanoflakes with edge magnetization, allowing for the emergence of second-order topological corner states. Our findings serve as a general theory, demonstrating that the realization of second-order topological corner states is not limited by boundary type or nanoflake shape.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

Chiral Majorana fermion modes regulated by a scanning tunneling microscope tip

The Majorana fermion can be described by a real wave function with only two phases (0 and π) which provide a controllable degree of freedom. We propose a strategy to regulate the phase of the chiral Majorana state by coupling with a scanning tunneling microscope tip in a system consisting of quantum anomalous Hall insulator coupled with a superconductor. With the change of the chemical potential, the chiral Majorana state can be tuned alternately between 0 and π, in which, correspondingly, the perfect normal tunneling and perfect crossed Andreev reflection appear. The perfect crossed Andreev reflection, by which a Cooper pair can be split into two electrons going into different terminals completely, leads to a pumping current and distinct quantized resistances. These findings may provide a signature of Majorana fermions and pave a feasible avenue to regulate the phase of Majorana state.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

High-Efficiency Cooper-Pair Splitter in Quantum Anomalous Hall Insulator Proximity-Coupled with Superconductor

The quantum entanglement between two qubits is crucial for applications in the quantum communication. After the entanglement of photons was experimentally realized, much effort has been taken to exploit the entangled electrons in solid-state systems. Here, we propose a Cooper-pair splitter, which can generate spatially-separated but entangled electrons, in a quantum anomalous Hall insulator proximity-coupled with a superconductor. After coupling with a superconductor, the chiral edge states of the quantum anomalous Hall insulator can still survive, making the backscattering impossible. Thus, the local Andreev reflection becomes vanishing, while the crossed Andreev reflection becomes dominant in the scattering process. This indicates that our device can serve as an extremely high-efficiency Cooper-pair splitter. Furthermore, because of the chiral characteristic, our Cooper-pair splitter is robust against disorders and can work in a wide range of system parameters. Particularly, it can still function even if the system length exceeds the superconducting coherence length.

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