Condensed Matter Theory

Abstract:

We establish twisted SnSe 2 as a tunable platform for simulating dimension-dependent correlated physics, distinct from conventional K-valley moiré systems. By constructing interacting Wannier models, we show that the stacking configuration dictates the effective lattice geometry. In AA-stacked bilayers, a momentumspace nonsymmorphic symmetry constrains the single-particle hopping within each valley to be effectively one-dimensional while still allowing fully two-dimensional interactions, thereby giving rise to an effective quasi-one-dimensional system. This dimensional reduction stabilizes exotic phases including dimerized states with finite residual entropy, valence bond solids, and quantum paramagnetism. Conversely, AB stacking maps to a frustrated Kagome lattice; here, strong interactions drive the emergence of a classical spin liquid. The high tunability of this moiré system, which allows control over both the filling and interaction strength (via twist angle), renders twisted SnSe 2 a versatile platform for realizing a wide range of exotic correlated quantum phases.

Abstract:

We use unrestricted Hartree-Fock, density matrix renormalization group, and variational projected entangled-pair state calculations to investigate the ground-state phase diagram of the triangular-lattice Hubbard model at “half doping” relative to single occupancy, i.e., at fillings of $(1\pm \frac{1}{2})$ electrons per site. The electron-doped case has a nested Fermi surface in the noninteracting limit, and hence a weak-coupling instability toward density-wave orders whose wave vectors are determined by Fermi-surface nesting conditions. We find that at moderate-to-strong interaction strengths, other spatially modulated orders arise, with wave vectors distinct from the nesting vectors. In particular, we identify a series of closely competing, itinerant long-wavelength magnetically ordered states, yielding to uniform ferromagnetic order at the largest interaction strengths. For half-hole doping and a similar range of interaction strengths, our data indicate that magnetic orders are most likely absent.

Abstract:

We link the presence of “unnecessary” quantum critical surfaces within a single gapped phase of matter to the nontrivial topology of of gapped Hamiltonians that encircle the critical surface. We study a specific set of one-dimensional spin models where each such family forms a one-parameter loop in a two-dimensional phase diagram. Foliating the noncritical region by such loops identifies “radial” and “angular” coordinates in the phase diagram that respectively parametrize different families and different members of a single family. We show that each one-parameter family is a generalized Thouless charge pump, all with the same topological index, and hence the gapped phase undergoes one or more nontrivial boundary phase transitions as we vary the angular coordinate in a loop through members of one family. Tuning the radial coordinate generates loci of boundary critical points that terminate at the end points of the bulk unnecessary critical line within the gapped phase. We discuss broader implications of our results and possible extensions to higher dimensions.