Floquet topological phase transitions in a periodically quenched dimer

TL;DR

This paper theoretically explores how periodic quenches in a one-dimensional dimerized lattice induce topological phase transitions, edge states, and zero-energy states, revealing complex interplay between driving parameters and symmetries.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of Floquet topological phases in a periodically quenched dimer system, highlighting new phenomena like edge states and topological transitions.

Findings

Edge states appear at zero energy and Brillouin zone edges.

Topological transitions can be driven by quench parameters.

Zero-energy topological states can emerge from trivial configurations.

Abstract

We report on the theoretical investigation of the topological properties of a periodically quenched one-dimensional dimerized lattice where a piece-wise constant Hamiltonian switches from $h_1$ to $h_2$ at a partition time $t_p$ within each driving period $T$. We examine different dimerization patterns for $h_1$ and $h_2$ and the interplay with the driving parameters that lead to the emergence of topological states both at zero energy and at the edge of the Brillouin-Floquet quasi-energy zone. We illustrate different phenomena, including the occurrence of both edge states in a semimetal spectrum, the topological transitions, and the generation of zero-energy topological states from trivial snapshots. The role of the different symmetries in our results is also discussed.