Generalized Hamiltonian for Kekul\'e graphene and the emergence of valley-cooperative Klein tunneling

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive Hamiltonian model for Kekule9 graphene that predicts new topological phases and demonstrates a novel valley-cooperative Klein tunneling effect in $pn$ junctions, advancing valleytronics and spintronics.

Contribution

A generalized Hamiltonian for Kekule9 graphene is developed, predicting new topological phases and revealing a valley-cooperative Klein tunneling phenomenon in $pn$ junctions.

Findings

Prediction of new topological phases in Kekule9 graphene.

Demonstration of valley flip during Klein tunneling.

Kekule9 graphene junctions as perfect valley filters.

Abstract

We introduce a generalized Hamiltonian describing not only all topological phases observed experimentally in Kekul\'e graphene (KekGr) but predicting also new ones. These phases show features like a quadratic band crossing point, valley splitting, or the crossing of conduction bands, typically induced by Rashba spin-orbit interactions or Zeeman fields. The electrons in KekGr behave as Dirac fermions and follow pseudo-relativistic dispersion relations with Fermi velocities, rest masses, and valley-dependent self-gating. Transitions between the topological phases can be induced by tuning these parameters. The model is applied to study the current flow in KekGr $pn$ junctions evidencing a novel cooperative transport phenomenon, where Klein tunneling goes along with a valley flip. These junctions act as perfect filters and polarizers of massive Dirac fermions, which are the essential devices for valleytronics. The plethora of different topological phases in KekGr may also help to establish phenomena from spintronics.