Topological Bootstrap: Fractionalization From Kondo Coupling

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to realize fractionalized topological phases by coupling non-fractionalized systems via Kondo interactions, enabling the creation of gapped spin liquids with topological order.

Contribution

It presents a novel topological bootstrap approach using Kondo lattice models to induce fractionalized topological phases from un-fractionalized phases.

Findings

Demonstrates gapped spin liquids can be induced via Kondo coupling.

Provides explicit lattice models for topological bootstrap.

Realizes toric code as an example of topological bootstrap.

Abstract

We propose a route toward realizing fractionalized topological phases of matter (i.e. with intrinsic topological order) by literally building on un-fractionalized phases. Our approach employs a Kondo lattice model in which a gapped electronic system of non-interacting fermions is coupled to non-interacting local moments via the exchange interaction. Using general entanglement-based arguments and explicit lattice models, we show that in this way gapped spin liquids can be induced in the spin system. We demonstrate the power of this topological bootstrap concept with two examples: (1) a chiral spin liquid induced by a Chern insulator and (2) a Z2 spin liquid induced by a superconductor. In particular, in the latter example, the toric code is realized as an exactly solvable example of topological bootstrap. Our approach can be generalized to all lattices, higher dimensions, and non-abelian topological orders.