Abstract
We introduce a time-reversal-symmetric analog of the Hopf insulator that we call a spin Hopf insulator. The spin Hopf insulator harbors nontrivial Kane-Mele Z2 invariants on its surfaces, and is the first example of a nonmagnetic delicate topological insulator with spin-orbit coupling. We show that the Kane-Mele Z2 topology on the surface is generically unstable, but can be stabilized by the addition of a composition of the particle hole and spatial inversion symmetry. Such a symmetry not only protects the surface Z2 invariant, but also protects gapless helical hinge states on the spin Hopf insulator. Furthermore, we show that, in the presence of fourfold rotational symmetry, the spin Hopf insulator exhibits a returning Thouless pump, as well as surface states on sharp boundary terminations.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 115159 |
Journal | Physical Review B |
Volume | 107 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 15 2023 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics