Unconventional topological superconductivity and phase diagram for an effective two-orbital model as applied to twisted bilayer graphene

TL;DR

This paper models twisted bilayer graphene as a two-orbital system with strong correlations, revealing a phase diagram with unconventional topological superconductivity and Mott-insulating states, emphasizing the role of electronic interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed phase diagram for twisted bilayer graphene using a two-orbital model and Gutzwiller method, highlighting topological superconductivity and correlation effects.

Findings

Reproduces experimental features semi-quantitatively

Identifies topological edge states in the phase diagram

Shows transition from triplet to singlet pairing near half filling

Abstract

We consider the superconducting and Mott-insulating states for the twisted bilayer graphene, modeled as two narrow-band system of electrons with appreciable intraatomic Coulomb interactions. The interaction induces kinetic exchange which leads to real-space, either triplet- or singlet-spin pairing, in direct analogy to heavy-fermions and high-temperature superconductors. By employing the statistically-consistent Gutzwiller method, we construct explicitly the phase diagram as a function of electron concentration for the spin-triplet $d_{x^2 - y^2}+id_{xy}$ paired case, as well as determine the topological edge states. The model reproduces principal features observed experimentally in a semi-quantitative manner. The essential role of electronic correlations in driving both the Mott-insulating and superconducting transitions is emphasized. The transformation of the spin-triplet state into its spin-singlet analogue is also analyzed, as well as the appearance of the phase separated superconducting+Mott-insulating state close to the half filling.