Minimal models for topological Weyl semimetals

TL;DR

This paper introduces minimal lattice models for type-II Weyl semimetals, capturing their unique Fermi pockets, surface states, and topological features, including novel track states that emerge during the transition from type-I to type-II.

Contribution

The paper provides the first minimal lattice models for type-II Weyl semimetals, detailing their bulk and surface properties, and identifying new topological surface states called track states.

Findings

Models successfully reproduce Fermi pockets and Fermi arc connectivities.

Topologically protected Fermi arcs and novel track states are identified.

Surface states persist across the transition from type-I to type-II Weyl semimetals.

Abstract

Topological Weyl semimetals (TWS) can be classified as type-I TWS, in which the density of states vanishes at the Weyl nodes, and type-II TWS where an electron and a hole pocket meet with finite density of states at the nodal energy. The dispersions of type-II Weyl nodes are tilted and break Lorentz invariance, allowing for physical properties distinct from those in a type-I TWS. We present minimal lattice models for both time-reversal-breaking and inversion-breaking type-II Weyl semimetals, and investigate their bulk properties and topological surface states. These lattice models capture the extended Fermi pockets and the connectivities of Fermi arcs. In addition to the Fermi arcs, which are topologically protected, we identify surface "track states" that arise out of the topological Fermi arc states at the transition from type-I to type-II with multiple Weyl nodes, and persist in the type-II TWS.