Intrinsically gapless topological phases
Ryan Thorngren, Ashvin Vishwanath, Ruben Verresen
Abstract
Most topological properties of quantum systems, such as the braiding of anyons or protected edge modes, are easiest to define in systems with an energy gap. While some topological phenomena persist in the presence of gapless modes, this paper explores such properties that are only possible without a gap. These systems are here dubbed intrinsically gapless topological phases. The authors study a simple model -- a hole-doped one-dimensional antiferromagnet -- and describe a mechanism based on anomalies that applies in all dimensions.
Topics & Concepts
Gapless playbackPhysicsHomogeneous spacePhase diagramRealization (probability)Topology (electrical circuits)Effective field theorySymmetry (geometry)Theoretical physicsBoundary (topology)Topological orderPhase (matter)QuantumQuantum mechanicsCondensed matter physicsGeometryMathematicsCombinatoricsStatisticsMathematical analysisTopological Materials and PhenomenaQuantum many-body systemsPhysics of Superconductivity and Magnetism