Correlation effects in two-dimensional topological insulators

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent progress on how electronic correlations influence two-dimensional topological insulators, focusing on models, phase transitions, and edge state effects in systems with spin-orbit coupling.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of correlation effects in 2D topological insulators, including new insights into interaction-driven phases and topological invariants.

Findings

Correlation effects can induce new topological phases.

Interactions influence the stability of helical edge states.

Numerical results support the existence of fractional topological states.

Abstract

Topological insulators have become one of the most active research areas in condensed matter physics. This article reviews progress on the topic of electronic correlations effects in the two-dimensional case, with a focus on systems with intrinsic spin-orbit coupling and numerical results. Topics addressed include an introduction to the noninteracting case, an overview of theoretical models, correlated topological band insulators, interaction-driven phase transitions, topological Mott insulators and fractional topological states, correlation effects on helical edge states, and topological invariants of interacting systems.