Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the different formulations of the Berry curvature formula in the context of a quantum spin Hall insulator, specifically the material PbBiI. Participants explore the implications of using either a single valence eigenstate or a summation over all conduction and valence bands in their calculations.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant presents two forms of the Berry curvature formula, one using only valence eigenstates and the other summing over all bands, expressing confusion about which to use.
- Another participant suggests that the second form may be more general, implying that the first form might be a simplification based on small contributions from other bands.
- A participant provides LaTeX representations of both forms of the Berry curvature for clarity.
- Further discussion raises the possibility of neglecting intra-band transitions in the context of the specific material, questioning if such neglect is justified.
- Some participants inquire about the justification for ignoring intra-band contributions, suggesting that there may be underlying symmetries that allow for this simplification.
- There is a request for specific citations from papers that have ignored intra-band contributions, indicating a desire for more concrete references to support claims made in the discussion.
- Another participant asks generally when inter-band transitions can be ignored, particularly in large gap materials, indicating a broader interest in the conditions under which certain terms in the Berry curvature formula may be neglected.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the validity and applicability of the two forms of the Berry curvature formula. There is no consensus on whether intra-band transitions can be neglected, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the conditions under which certain contributions may be ignored.
Contextual Notes
Some participants note the potential influence of symmetries in the material system on the applicability of different Berry curvature formulations. There is also uncertainty regarding the specific conditions under which inter-band transitions can be ignored.