Topological quantum friction

TL;DR

This paper develops a theory of quantum friction in 2D topological materials, revealing how their non-trivial topological states significantly influence the quantum drag force on nearby nanoparticles, with potential for manipulation via external parameters.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theoretical framework for quantum friction in topological 2D materials, linking electronic topology to measurable frictional forces and exploring effects in graphene-based systems.

Findings

Quantum friction depends on the topological state of 2D materials.

Topologically non-trivial states can enhance quantum drag by two orders of magnitude.

External fields and doping can manipulate quantum friction effects.

Abstract

We develop the theory of quantum friction in two-dimensional topological materials. The quantum drag force on a metallic nanoparticle moving above such systems is sensitive to the non-trivial topology of their electronic phases, shows a novel distance scaling law, and can be manipulated through doping or via the application of external fields. We use the developed framework to investigate quantum friction due to the quantum Hall effect in magnetic field biased graphene, and to topological phase transitions in the graphene family materials. It is shown that topologically non-trivial states in two-dimensional materials enable an increase of two orders of magnitude in the quantum drag force with respect to conventional neutral graphene systems.