Topological phase transitions

Linhu Li, Shu Chen

We study topological properties of phase transition points of topological quantum phase transitions by assigning a topological invariant defined on a closed circle or surface surrounding the phase transition point in the parameter space of momentum and transition driving parameter. By applying our scheme to the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model and Haldane model, we demonstrate that the topological phase transition can be well characterized by the defined topological invariant of the transition point, which reflects the change of topological invariants of topologically different phases across the phase transition point.

Robert-Jan Slager

F. Setiawan, K. Sengupta, Ian B. Spielman +1 more

We demonstrate that dynamical probes provide direct means of detecting the topological phase transition (TPT) between conventional and topological phases, which would otherwise be difficult to access because of loss or heating processes. We propose to avoid such heating by rapidly quenching in and out of the short-lived topological phase across the transition that supports gapless excitations. Following the quench, the distribution of excitations in the final conventional phase carries signatures of the TPT. We apply this strategy to study the TPT into a Majorana-carrying topological phase predicted in one-dimensional spin-orbit-coupled Fermi gases with attractive interactions. The resulting spin-resolved momentum distribution, computed by self-consistently solving the time-dependent Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations, exhibits Kibble-Zurek scaling and Stückelberg oscillations characteristic of the TPT. We discuss parameter regimes where the TPT is experimentally accessible.

Lucien Gilles Benguigui, Lawrence S. Schulman

Hsiang-Hsuan Hung, Victor Chua, Lei Wang +1 more

Jincheng Zhang

Quantum-induced topological phase transitions (QITPT) offer a novel approach to studying these fascinating phenomena by leveraging quantum entanglement to dynamically alter the stability of topological phases. This paper investigates a novel algorithm for simulating QITPT, focusing on the manipulation of quantum states to observe the transition dynamics. We present a framework that utilizes quantum mechanics to induce transformations, ultimately demonstrating how these transformations can influence the stability of topological phases. The work aims to provide a robust method for predicting and understanding these transitions, opening new avenues for research in quantum materials and topological physics.