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Fractional lattice charge transport.
Sergej Flach1,2, Ramaz Khomeriki1,3
1Center for Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems, Institute for Basic Science, 34051 Daejeon, South Korea.
Scientific Reports
|January 20, 2017
Summary
Quantum particles in a magnetic field and electric field exhibit charge fractionalization. This leads to dispersionless relativistic motion for a fraction of particles, a novel quantum phenomenon.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Dynamics
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Studying noninteracting quantum particles on a square lattice is crucial for understanding fundamental quantum phenomena.
- The interplay of magnetic flux and electric fields can lead to complex particle dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of quantum particles under combined magnetic flux and electric fields.
- To explore the phenomenon of charge fractionalization and its implications for particle transport.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of adiabatic dynamics of quantum particles on a square lattice.
- Investigating spectral properties, including vanishing gaps, under specific field conditions.
- Calculation of Zak phase for the band associated with the gap closing regime.
Main Results:
- Bloch oscillations and dispersive ballistic transport observed in general.
- For rational magnetic flux and specific electric fields, charge fractionalization occurs.
- A fraction of right-moving particles exhibit dispersionless relativistic propagation.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a novel charge fractionalization mechanism in quantum systems.
- The findings suggest potential experimental realizations using atomic Bose-Einstein condensates and photonic networks.
- The computed Zak phase converges to π/2, characterizing the gap closing regime.
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