2025/07/02 by Yuval Abulafia, Abulafia, Yuval, Amit Goft +5 · 2 citations
Physics and Astronomy · Materials Science · #Topological Materials and Phenomena #Graphene research and applications #Quantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian Physics
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2507.01530
For non-topological quantum materials, introducing defects can significantly alter their properties by modifying symmetry and generating a nonzero analytical index, thus transforming the material into a topological one. We present a method to construct the potential matrix configuration with the purpose of obtaining a non-zero analytical index, akin to a topological invariant like a winding or Chern number. We establish systematic connections between these potentials, expressed in the continuum limit, and their initial tight-binding model description. We apply our method to graphene with an adatom, a vacancy, and both as key examples illustrating our comprehensive description. This method enables analytical differentiation between topological and non-topological zero-energy modes and allows for the construction of defects that induce topology.