Edge-state influence on high-order harmonic generation in topological nanoribbons

TL;DR

This study explores how edge states in topological nanoribbons affect high-order harmonic generation, revealing that topological phase transitions and edge state dynamics significantly influence the harmonic spectra.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the role of edge states in high-order harmonic generation within topological nanoribbons using a tight-binding model.

Findings

Edge states emerge after a topological phase transition.

Edge state energies exhibit crossings and avoided crossings.

Edge states influence the high-harmonic spectra.

Abstract

The high-order harmonic generation in finite topological nanoribbons is investigated using a tight-binding description. The ribbons consist of hexagons and are almost one-dimensional. Two edge states emerge at the short edges of the ribbon after a gap closure between valence and conduction band, indicating a topological phase transition. The energies of those edge states as functions of the tight-binding parameters display crossings and avoided crossings, which influence the high-harmonic spectra.