Electrodynamics of Topologically Ordered Quantum Phases in Dirac Materials.

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Materials Science
• Computational Materials Science

Background:

• Tantalum arsenide exhibits complex electronic properties relevant to quantum phenomena.
• Understanding topological quantum states is crucial for next-generation electronics.
• Graphene and similar 2D materials offer platforms for exploring novel quantum behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the emergence of topologically ordered quantum states in tantalum arsenide.
• To develop topological phase diagrams for tantalum arsenide systems.
• To explore the potential for creating electronic switches between trivial and topological quantum states.

Main Methods:

• First-principles calculations of the electronic ground state.
• Tight-binding calculations of field-dependent transport models.
• Quasistatic approximation to time-propagation-dependent density functional theory.
• Field-theoretic approach to analyze non-linear response to electromagnetic fields.

Main Results:

• Identification of a facile electronic switch between trivial and topologically ordered quantum states.
• Demonstration that electric or magnetic fields, along with sublattice potentials, can induce these transitions.
• Observation of a quantum fluid phase and carrier density wave transport at topological quantum phase transition points.

Conclusions:

• Tantalum arsenide systems offer a pathway to controllable topological quantum states.
• The findings suggest potential applications in plasmonics, optoelectronics, and photonics.
• Integration of Dirac material atomic clusters in nanostructures is key for emergent quantum phenomena.