Topological delocalization transitions and mobility edges in the nonreciprocal Maryland model

Non-Hermitian effects could trigger spectrum, localization and topological phase transitions in quasiperiodic lattices. We propose a non-Hermitian extension of the Maryland model, which forms a paradigm in the study of localization and quantum chaos by introducing asymmetry to its hopping amplitudes. The resulting nonreciprocal Maryland model is found to possess a real-to-complex spectrum transition at a finite amount of hopping asymmetry, through which it changes from a localized phase to a mobility edge phase. Explicit expressions of the complex energy dispersions, phase boundaries and mobility edges are found. A topological winding number is further introduced to characterize the transition between different phases. Our work introduces a unique type of non-Hermitian quasicrystal, which admits exactly obtainable phase diagrams, mobility edges, and holding no extended phases at finite nonreciprocity in the thermodynamic limit.

Topological Edge States and Transport Properties in Zigzag Stanene Nanoribbons with Magnetism

In this work, we investigate the topological phase transitions and corresponding transport properties in zigzag stanene nanoribbon with different magnetism. The results show that the off-resonant circularly polarized (ORCP) light may induce anisotropic chiral edge state with a magnetic phase transition from antiferromagnetic state to nonmagnetic state. In combination with the ORCP light and electric field, the 100% spin-polarized edge state can be induced with some magnetic orders. The finite-size effect is also an important factor for the magnetic phase transitions, which in turn induces topological phase transitions from the band insulator to topological phases. By constructing the topological-insulator junctions with some topological edge states, we further study the Fabry-Perot resonant, where multiple reflection edge states cause strong current loops. By modulating the ORCP and electric field, the system can also be regarded as a switcher, to control the charge current or spin polarized current. These findings pave a way for designing topological device with magnetic edges in the future nano spintronics.

Observing multifarious topological phase transitions with real-space indicator

First- and second-order topological phases, capable of inherent protection against disorder of materials, have been recently experimentally demonstrated in various artificial materials through observing the topologically protected edge states. Topological phase transition represents a new class of quantum critical phenomena, which is accompanied by the changes related to the bulk topology of energy band structures instead of symmetry. However, it is still a challenge to directly observe the topological phase transitions defined in terms of bulk states. Here, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate the direct observation of multifarious topological phase transitions with real-space indicator in a single photonic chip, which is formed by integration of 324 × 33 waveguides supporting both first- and second-order topological phases. The trivial-to-first-order, trivial-to-second-order and first-to-second-order topological phase transitions signified by the band gap closure can all be directly detected via photon evolution in the bulk. We further observe the creation and destruction of gapped topological edge states associated with these topological phase transitions. The bulk-state-based route to investigate the high-dimensional and high-order topological features, together with the platform of freely engineering topological materials by three-dimensional laser direct writing in a single photonic chip, opens up a new avenue to explore the mechanisms and applications of artificial devices.