How can I compute edge states in the Haldane model with varying dimensions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around computing edge states in the Haldane model, particularly focusing on the implications of varying dimensions in a 2D sheet. Participants explore the concepts of nearest and next-nearest neighbor hopping, the calculation of edge states, and the construction of a Hamiltonian for different lattice sizes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the distant and nearest neighbor hopping in the Haldane model and seeks clarification on how these terms relate to edge states.
  • Another participant suggests calculating the spectrum on an infinite strip or cylinder to find zero-energy states in the topological phase, which are believed to reside on the edges.
  • A participant mentions successfully solving the bulk model but struggles to create a general Hamiltonian for a graphene lattice that incorporates both NN and NNN hoppings for varying dimensions.
  • There is a reference to a textbook by Bernevig and Hughes that computes edge states in graphene, although it is noted to have many errors, which may complicate its use as a resource.
  • Participants discuss the need for accessible lecture notes or resources that detail the calculations and boundary conditions for armchair and zigzag edge states.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of calculating edge states and the relevance of the Haldane model, but there is no consensus on the best approach or available resources for performing these calculations. Multiple competing views on how to handle the model and the calculations remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions of distant hopping and the construction of Hamiltonians for various lattice sizes. There are also mentions of limitations in available literature, particularly regarding the clarity and completeness of explanations in papers and textbooks.

Ammo1337
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Hi there, studying the Haldane model for my final year project next year, having some trouble understanding how the distant and nearest neighbour hopping works with varying width or height of a 2d sheet in the Haldane model? I'm find some references in papers but they appear to be way over my head and not accessible at all as I've only touched solid state physics (tight binding model and such) and not much condensed matter.

I'm also very interested to know how these hopping terms (NN or distant) are accounted for when looking at edge states in a bulk model?

I've also looked at how these edge states are calculated but I'm not having much luck. I assume it's something obvious and just the resulting energy spectrum from band theory and the tight binding model?

I would appreciate any kind of push in the correct direction, I've asked a lot of questions here but I'm a little scatter brained at the moment! I'll be doing a lot of reading over the weekend
 
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I'm used to the Haldane model being defined with just nearest and next-nearest neighbor couplings. When you say "distant," are you referring to a variation of Haldane's model?

Ammo1337 said:
I've also looked at how these edge states are calculated but I'm not having much luck. I assume it's something obvious and just the resulting energy spectrum from band theory and the tight binding model?

What I think should work is to calculate the spectrum on an infinite strip or a cylinder. You should find zero-energy states in the topological phase, and argue that they live on the edges.
 
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king vitamin said:
I'm used to the Haldane model being defined with just nearest and next-nearest neighbor couplings. When you say "distant," are you referring to a variation of Haldane's model?
What I think should work is to calculate the spectrum on an infinite strip or a cylinder. You should find zero-energy states in the topological phase, and argue that they live on the edges.

Yes I've looked at this and you are correct, I've managed to get this correct and solve the bulk, however I am having trouble creating a general hamiltonian that can represent a graphene lattice with both NN and NNN hoppings that is n lattice sides wide in the x direction and m in the y direction, so I am able to analyse edge currents for varying sizes, eg 10x10, 5x5, 100x100, as the haldane model.

After this I will be looking into armchair and zigzag edge states respectively, and determining their boundary conditions

I'm having quite a bit of trouble with this, are there any lecture notes out there of this? Papers don't seem to be helping much as they usually skip all this and just include the graphs and numerical results.

Many thanks for any help you can provide once again!
SpinFlop said:

This has helped quite a bit with starting me off, thank you.
 
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There is a textbook, "Topological Insulators and Topological Superconductors" by Bernevig and Hughes, which computes the edge states in graphene. This should be a good reference for how to do this for the Haldane model, which is defined on the same lattice. Unfortunately, the book is pretty awful (it's riddled with typos and mistakes), but I can' think of another resource with the specific computation you're requesting.
 

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