Phase transitions of the dimerized Kane-Mele model with/without strong interaction

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Materials
• Topological Phases

Background:

• The Kane-Mele model describes quantum spin Hall effects.
• Dimerization introduces topological phase transitions.
• Strong interactions lead to complex correlated phases.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the dimerized Kane-Mele model with and without strong interactions.
• Map the topological phase diagram.
• Characterize the topological Mott insulator phase.

Main Methods:

• Analytical methods for the non-interacting model.
• Mean-field theories for the strongly correlated model.
• Analysis of one-particle spectrum and phase transitions.

Main Results:

• Topological phase transition boundary determined by dimerization parameter.
• Completed phase diagram including quantum spin Hall and trivial insulator states.
• Detailed analysis of Mott and magnetic transitions in the presence of Hubbard interaction U.

Conclusions:

• The dimerized Kane-Mele model exhibits rich topological phases.
• A topological Mott insulator phase exists between Mott and magnetic transitions.
• Hopping anisotropy and Hubbard interaction U significantly influence phase boundaries.