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Exceptional topological insulators

Author

Listed:
  • M. Michael Denner

    (University of Zurich)

  • Anastasiia Skurativska

    (University of Zurich)

  • Frank Schindler

    (University of Zurich
    Princeton University)

  • Mark H. Fischer

    (University of Zurich)

  • Ronny Thomale

    (Universität Würzburg)

  • Tomáš Bzdušek

    (University of Zurich
    Paul Scherrer Institute)

  • Titus Neupert

    (University of Zurich)

Abstract

We introduce the exceptional topological insulator (ETI), a non-Hermitian topological state of matter that features exotic non-Hermitian surface states which can only exist within the three-dimensional topological bulk embedding. We show how this phase can evolve from a Weyl semimetal or Hermitian three-dimensional topological insulator close to criticality when quasiparticles acquire a finite lifetime. The ETI does not require any symmetry to be stabilized. It is characterized by a bulk energy point gap, and exhibits robust surface states that cover the bulk gap as a single sheet of complex eigenvalues or with a single exceptional point. The ETI can be induced universally in gapless solid-state systems, thereby setting a paradigm for non-Hermitian topological matter.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Michael Denner & Anastasiia Skurativska & Frank Schindler & Mark H. Fischer & Ronny Thomale & Tomáš Bzdušek & Titus Neupert, 2021. "Exceptional topological insulators," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-25947-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25947-z
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    Cited by:

    1. Xuewei Zhang & Chaohua Wu & Mou Yan & Ni Liu & Ziyu Wang & Gang Chen, 2024. "Observation of continuum Landau modes in non-Hermitian electric circuits," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-7, December.

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