Robust edge states induced by electron-phonon interaction in graphene nanoribbons

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how electron-phonon interactions in graphene nanoribbons can induce topological edge states, expanding understanding beyond single-particle models and showing their robustness against disorder.

Contribution

It introduces a non-perturbative, non-adiabatic approach to reveal topological edge states caused by electron-phonon interactions in graphene nanoribbons.

Findings

Electron-phonon interactions can induce topological edge states.

The topological states are robust against disorder.

The study uses a minimal Fock space approach.

Abstract

The search of new means of generating and controlling topological states of matter is at the front of many joint efforts, including bandgap engineering by doping and light-induced topological states. Most of our understading, however, is based on a single particle picture. Topological states in systems including interaction effects, such as electron-electron and electron-phonon, remain less explored. By exploiting a non-perturbative and non-adiabatic picture, here we show how the interaction between electrons and a coherent phonon mode can lead to a bandgap hosting edge states of topological origin. Further numerical simulations witness the robustness of these states against different types of disorder. Our results contribute to the search of topological states, in this case in a minimal Fock space.