Infinite bound states and hydrogen atom-like energy spectrum induced by a flat band

TL;DR

This paper explores how a flat band in a one-dimensional Dirac Hamiltonian leads to infinite bound states and hydrogen-like energy spectra, revealing new quantum phenomena due to the flat band's high density of states.

Contribution

It demonstrates that flat bands induce infinite bound states and hydrogen atom-like spectra in a 1D Dirac system, a novel insight into flat band physics.

Findings

Existence of one bound state for both positive and negative delta potentials.

Infinite bound states arise for weak potentials in square well scenarios.

Bound state energies near the flat band follow a hydrogen-like inverse square law.

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the bound state problem in one dimensional spin-1 Dirac Hamiltonian with a flat band. It is found that, the flat band has significant effects on the bound states. For example, for Dirac delta potential $g\delta(x)$, there exists one bound state for both positive and negative potential strength $g$. Furthermore, when the potential is weak, the bound state energy is proportional to the potential strength $g$. For square well potential, the flat band results in the existence of infinite bound states for arbitrarily weak potential. In addition, when the bound state energy is very near the flat band, the energy displays hydrogen atom-like spectrum, i.e., the bound state energies are inversely proportional to the square of natural number $n$ (e.g., $E_n\propto 1/n^2, n=1,2,3,...$). Most of the above nontrivial behaviors can be attributed to the infinitely large density of states of flat band and its ensuing $1/z$ singularity of Green function. The combination of a short-ranged potential and flat band provides a new possibility to get infinite number of bound states and hydrogen atom-like energy spectrum. In addition, our findings would provide some useful insights in the understanding of many-body physics of flat band.