Exactly solvable spin chain models in BDI class of topological superconductors

PH symmetry restricts the winding number of TR symmetric extensions of XY to odd integers. The {\pi}PH operator may serve in further detailed classification of topological superconductors.

Related papers

Exactly solvable spin chain models corresponding to BDI class of topological superconductors

S. A. Jafari, Farhad Shahbazi

We present an exactly solvable extension of the quantum XY chain with longer range multi-spin interactions. Topological phase transitions of the model are classified in terms of the number of Majorana zero modes, nM which are in turn related to an integer winding number, nW. The present class of exactly solvable models belong to the BDI class in the Altland-Zirnbauer classification of topological superconductors. We show that time reversal symmetry of the spin variables translates into a sliding particle-hole (PH) transformation in the language of Jordan-Wigner fermions - a PH transformation followed by a π shift in the wave vector which we call it the πPH. Presence of πPH symmetry restricts the nW (nM) of time-reversal symmetric extensions of XY to odd (even) integers. The πPH operator may serve in further detailed classification of topological superconductors in higher dimensions as well.We present an exactly solvable extension of the quantum XY chain with longer range multi-spin interactions. Topological phase transitions of the model are classified in terms of the number of Majorana zero modes, nM which are in turn related to an integer winding number, nW. The present class of exactly solvable models belong to the BDI class in the Altland-Zirnbauer classification of topological superconductors. We show that time reversal symmetry of the spin variables translates into a sliding particle-hole (PH) transformation in the language of Jordan-Wigner fermions - a PH transformation followed by a π shift in the wave vector which we call it the πPH. Presence of πPH symmetry restricts the nW (nM) of time-reversal symmetric extensions of XY to odd (even) integers. The πPH operator may serve in further detailed classification of topological superconductors in higher dimensions as well.

arXiv:1601.02456Scientific ReportsSep 6, 20167 citations

Emergent breaking of particle-hole symmetry in Bogoliubov-de Gennes class

Somaye Jafari, Farhad Shahbazi

We present an exactly solvable extension of the quantum XY chain with longer range multi-spin interactions. Topological phase transitions of the model are classified in terms of the number of Majorana zero modes which are in turn related to an integer winding number. We further find a general relation between the winding number and the number of Majorana fermions at the ends of an open chain. The present class of exactly solvable models belong to the BDI class in the Altland-Zirnbauer classification (A. Altland, M. R. Zirnbauer, Phys. Rev. B (1997) 55 1142) of topological superconductors. We show that time reversal (TR) symmetry of the spin variables translates into a peculiar particle-hole transformation in the language of Jordan-Wigner (JW) fermions that is accompanied by a {\pi} shift in the wave vector ( $\pi$ PH). Presence of $\pi$ PH symmetry restricts the winding number of TR symmetric extensions of XY to odd integers. The {\pi}PH operator may serve in further detailed classification of topological superconductors.We present an exactly solvable extension of the quantum XY chain with longer range multi-spin interactions. Topological phase transitions of the model are classified in terms of the number of Majorana zero modes which are in turn related to an integer winding number. We further find a general relation between the winding number and the number of Majorana fermions at the ends of an open chain. The present class of exactly solvable models belong to the BDI class in the Altland-Zirnbauer classification (A. Altland, M. R. Zirnbauer, Phys. Rev. B (1997) 55 1142) of topological superconductors. We show that time reversal (TR) symmetry of the spin variables translates into a peculiar particle-hole transformation in the language of Jordan-Wigner (JW) fermions that is accompanied by a {\pi} shift in the wave vector ($\pi$PH). Presence of $\pi$PH symmetry restricts the winding number of TR symmetric extensions of XY to odd integers. The {\pi}PH operator may serve in further detailed classification of topological superconductors.

Jan 11, 20160 citations

Topological phases of fermions in one dimension

Lukasz Fidkowski, Alexei Kitaev

In this paper we show how the classification of topological phases in insulators and superconductors is changed by interactions, in the case of one-dimensional systems. We focus on the time-reversal-invariant Majorana chain (BDI symmetry class). While the band classification yields an integer topological index $k$ , it is known that phases characterized by values of $k$ in the same equivalence class modulo 8 can be adiabatically transformed one to another by adding suitable interaction terms. Here we show that the eight equivalence classes are distinct and exhaustive, and provide a physical interpretation for the interacting invariant modulo 8. The different phases realize different Altland-Zirnbauer classes of the reduced density matrix for an entanglement bipartition into two half chains. We generalize these results to the classification of all one-dimensional gapped phases of fermionic systems with possible antiunitary symmetries, utilizing the algebraic framework of central extensions. We use matrix product state methods to prove our results.In this paper we show how the classification of topological phases in insulators and superconductors is changed by interactions, in the case of one-dimensional systems. We focus on the time-reversal-invariant Majorana chain (BDI symmetry class). While the band classification yields an integer topological index $k$, it is known that phases characterized by values of $k$ in the same equivalence class modulo 8 can be adiabatically transformed one to another by adding suitable interaction terms. Here we show that the eight equivalence classes are distinct and exhaustive, and provide a physical interpretation for the interacting invariant modulo 8. The different phases realize different Altland-Zirnbauer classes of the reduced density matrix for an entanglement bipartition into two half chains. We generalize these results to the classification of all one-dimensional gapped phases of fermionic systems with possible antiunitary symmetries, utilizing the algebraic framework of central extensions. We use matrix product state methods to prove our results.

arXiv:1008.4138Physical Review BFeb 8, 2011860 citations

Majorana zero modes in a quantum Ising chain with longer-ranged interactions

Murphy Yuezhen Niu, Suk Bum Chung, Chen-Hsuan Hsu +3 more

A one-dimensional Ising model in a transverse field can be mapped onto a system of spinless fermions with $p$ -wave superconductivity. In the weak-coupling BCS regime, it exhibits a zero-energy Majorana mode at each end of the chain. Here, we consider a variation of the model, which represents a superconductor with longer-ranged kinetic energy and pairing amplitudes, as is likely to occur in more realistic systems. It possesses a richer zero-temperature phase diagram and has several quantum phase transitions. From an exact solution of the model, we find that these phases can be classified according to the number of Majorana zero modes of an open chain: zero, one, or two at each end. The model possesses a multicritical point where phases with zero, one, and two Majorana end modes meet. The number of Majorana modes at each end of the chain is identical to the topological winding number of the Anderson pseudospin vector that describes the BCS Hamiltonian. The topological classification of the phases requires a unitary time-reversal symmetry to be present. When this symmetry is broken, only the number of Majorana end modes modulo 2 can be used to distinguish two phases. In one of the regimes, the wave functions of the two phase-shifted Majorana zero modes decay exponentially in space but in an oscillatory manner. The wavelength of oscillation is identical to that in the asymptotic connected spin-spin correlation of the $XY$ model in a transverse field, to which our model is dual.A one-dimensional Ising model in a transverse field can be mapped onto a system of spinless fermions with $p$-wave superconductivity. In the weak-coupling BCS regime, it exhibits a zero-energy Majorana mode at each end of the chain. Here, we consider a variation of the model, which represents a superconductor with longer-ranged kinetic energy and pairing amplitudes, as is likely to occur in more realistic systems. It possesses a richer zero-temperature phase diagram and has several quantum phase transitions. From an exact solution of the model, we find that these phases can be classified according to the number of Majorana zero modes of an open chain: zero, one, or two at each end. The model possesses a multicritical point where phases with zero, one, and two Majorana end modes meet. The number of Majorana modes at each end of the chain is identical to the topological winding number of the Anderson pseudospin vector that describes the BCS Hamiltonian. The topological classification of the phases requires a unitary time-reversal symmetry to be present. When this symmetry is broken, only the number of Majorana end modes modulo 2 can be used to distinguish two phases. In one of the regimes, the wave functions of the two phase-shifted Majorana zero modes decay exponentially in space but in an oscillatory manner. The wavelength of oscillation is identical to that in the asymptotic connected spin-spin correlation of the $XY$ model in a transverse field, to which our model is dual.

arXiv:1110.3072Physical Review BJan 13, 2012191 citations

Time-reversal symmetric Kitaev model and topological superconductor in two dimensions

Ryota Nakai, Shinsei Ryu, Akira Furusaki

A time-reversal invariant Kitaev-type model is introduced in which spins (Dirac matrices) on the square lattice interact via anisotropic nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor exchange interactions. The model is exactly solved by mapping it onto a tight-binding model of free Majorana fermions coupled with static ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ gauge fields. The Majorana fermion model can be viewed as a model of time-reversal-invariant superconductor and is classified as a member of symmetry class DIII in the Altland-Zirnbauer classification. The ground-state phase diagram has two topologically distinct gapped phases which are distinguished by a ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ topological invariant. The topologically nontrivial phase supports both a Kramers' pair of gapless Majorana edge modes at the boundary and a Kramers' pair of zero-energy Majorana states bound to a 0-flux vortex in the $\ensuremath{\pi}$-flux background. Power-law decaying correlation functions of spins along the edge are obtained by taking the gapless Majorana edge modes into account. The model is also defined on the one-dimension ladder, in which case again the ground-state phase diagram has ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ trivial and nontrivial phases.A time-reversal invariant Kitaev-type model is introduced in which spins (Dirac matrices) on the square lattice interact via anisotropic nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor exchange interactions. The model is exactly solved by mapping it onto a tight-binding model of free Majorana fermions coupled with static ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ gauge fields. The Majorana fermion model can be viewed as a model of time-reversal-invariant superconductor and is classified as a member of symmetry class DIII in the Altland-Zirnbauer classification. The ground-state phase diagram has two topologically distinct gapped phases which are distinguished by a ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ topological invariant. The topologically nontrivial phase supports both a Kramers' pair of gapless Majorana edge modes at the boundary and a Kramers' pair of zero-energy Majorana states bound to a 0-flux vortex in the $\ensuremath{\pi}$-flux background. Power-law decaying correlation functions of spins along the edge are obtained by taking the gapless Majorana edge modes into account. The model is also defined on the one-dimension ladder, in which case again the ground-state phase diagram has ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ trivial and nontrivial phases.

arXiv:1111.1230Physical Review BApr 11, 201230 citations

Exactly solvable model for two-dimensional topological superconductors

Zitao Wang, Shang-Qiang Ning, Xie Chen

In this paper, we present an exactly solvable model for two-dimensional topological superconductors with helical Majorana edge modes protected by time-reversal symmetry. Our construction is based on the idea of decorated domain walls and makes use of the Kasteleyn orientation on a two-dimensional lattice, which was used for the construction of the symmetry protected fermion phase with ${Z}_{2}$ symmetry by Tarantino et al. and Ware et al. By decorating the time-reversal domain walls with spinful Majorana chains, we are able to construct a commuting projector Hamiltonian with zero correlation length ground state wave function that realizes a strongly interacting version of the two-dimensional topological superconductor. From our construction, it can be seen that the ${T}^{2}=\ensuremath{-}1$ transformation rule for the fermions is crucial for the existence of such a nontrivial phase; with ${T}^{2}=1$ , our construction does not work.In this paper, we present an exactly solvable model for two-dimensional topological superconductors with helical Majorana edge modes protected by time-reversal symmetry. Our construction is based on the idea of decorated domain walls and makes use of the Kasteleyn orientation on a two-dimensional lattice, which was used for the construction of the symmetry protected fermion phase with ${Z}_{2}$ symmetry by Tarantino et al. and Ware et al. By decorating the time-reversal domain walls with spinful Majorana chains, we are able to construct a commuting projector Hamiltonian with zero correlation length ground state wave function that realizes a strongly interacting version of the two-dimensional topological superconductor. From our construction, it can be seen that the ${T}^{2}=\ensuremath{-}1$ transformation rule for the fermions is crucial for the existence of such a nontrivial phase; with ${T}^{2}=1$, our construction does not work.

arXiv:1708.01684Physical review. B./Physical review. BSep 4, 201817 citations

\pi

PH). Presence of

\pi

PH symmetry restricts the winding number of TR symmetric extensions of XY to odd integers. The {\pi}PH operator may serve in further detailed classification of topological superconductors.

\pi

PH). Presence of

\pi

PH symmetry restricts the winding number of TR symmetric extensions of XY to odd integers. The {\pi}PH operator may serve in further detailed classification of topological superconductors.

k

, it is known that phases characterized by values of

k

in the same equivalence class modulo 8 can be adiabatically transformed one to another by adding suitable interaction terms. Here we show that the eight equivalence classes are distinct and exhaustive, and provide a physical interpretation for the interacting invariant modulo 8. The different phases realize different Altland-Zirnbauer classes of the reduced density matrix for an entanglement bipartition into two half chains. We generalize these results to the classification of all one-dimensional gapped phases of fermionic systems with possible antiunitary symmetries, utilizing the algebraic framework of central extensions. We use matrix product state methods to prove our results.

A one-dimensional Ising model in a transverse field can be mapped onto a system of spinless fermions with

p

-wave superconductivity. In the weak-coupling BCS regime, it exhibits a zero-energy Majorana mode at each end of the chain. Here, we consider a variation of the model, which represents a superconductor with longer-ranged kinetic energy and pairing amplitudes, as is likely to occur in more realistic systems. It possesses a richer zero-temperature phase diagram and has several quantum phase transitions. From an exact solution of the model, we find that these phases can be classified according to the number of Majorana zero modes of an open chain: zero, one, or two at each end. The model possesses a multicritical point where phases with zero, one, and two Majorana end modes meet. The number of Majorana modes at each end of the chain is identical to the topological winding number of the Anderson pseudospin vector that describes the BCS Hamiltonian. The topological classification of the phases requires a unitary time-reversal symmetry to be present. When this symmetry is broken, only the number of Majorana end modes modulo 2 can be used to distinguish two phases. In one of the regimes, the wave functions of the two phase-shifted Majorana zero modes decay exponentially in space but in an oscillatory manner. The wavelength of oscillation is identical to that in the asymptotic connected spin-spin correlation of the

XY

model in a transverse field, to which our model is dual.

{\mathbb{Z}}_{2}

gauge fields. The Majorana fermion model can be viewed as a model of time-reversal-invariant superconductor and is classified as a member of symmetry class DIII in the Altland-Zirnbauer classification. The ground-state phase diagram has two topologically distinct gapped phases which are distinguished by a

{\mathbb{Z}}_{2}

topological invariant. The topologically nontrivial phase supports both a Kramers' pair of gapless Majorana edge modes at the boundary and a Kramers' pair of zero-energy Majorana states bound to a 0-flux vortex in the $\ensuremath{\pi}$-flux background. Power-law decaying correlation functions of spins along the edge are obtained by taking the gapless Majorana edge modes into account. The model is also defined on the one-dimension ladder, in which case again the ground-state phase diagram has

{\mathbb{Z}}_{2}

trivial and nontrivial phases.

{Z}_{2}

symmetry by Tarantino et al. and Ware et al. By decorating the time-reversal domain walls with spinful Majorana chains, we are able to construct a commuting projector Hamiltonian with zero correlation length ground state wave function that realizes a strongly interacting version of the two-dimensional topological superconductor. From our construction, it can be seen that the ${T}^{2}=\ensuremath{-}1$ transformation rule for the fermions is crucial for the existence of such a nontrivial phase; with

{T}^{2}=1

, our construction does not work.