Fracton-elasticity duality in twisted moiré superlattices

Jonas Gaa, Grgur Palle, Rafael M. Fernandes, Jörg Schmalian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We formulate a fracton-elasticity duality for twisted moiré superlattices, taking into account that they are incommensurate crystals with dissipative phason dynamics. From a dual tensor-gauge formulation, as compared to standard crystals, we identify twice the number of conserved charges that describe topological lattice defects, namely, disclinations and another type of defects that we dub discompressions. The key implication of these conservation laws is that both glide and climb motions of lattice dislocations are suppressed, indicating that dislocation networks may become exceptionally stable. We also generalize our results to other planar incommensurate crystals and quasicrystals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number064109
JournalPhysical Review B
Volume104
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2021
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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