Interacting phase diagram of twisted bilayer MoTe$_2$ in magnetic field

TL;DR

This paper explores the complex phase diagram of twisted bilayer MoTe$_2$ under magnetic fields, revealing Chern insulators and explaining experimental observations of their absence in certain conditions.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed 3D phase diagram of twisted bilayer MoTe$_2$ considering magnetic field, interaction strength, and electric field, highlighting the emergence of Chern insulators.

Findings

Identification of Chern insulators consistent with experiments.

Explanation for the absence of Chern insulators along certain Chern number lines.

Mapping of phase evolution with magnetic field, interactions, and electric field.

Abstract

We study electron-electron interaction induced states of twisted bilayer MoTe$_2$ in an out-of-plane magnetic field $B\hat{\bf z}$ near one hole per moir\'e unit cell filling. The 3D phase diagram showing the evolution of competing phases with $B$, interaction strength and an out-of-plane electric field is presented at electron fillings that follow the Diophantine equation along Chern number $-\text{sign}\left(B\right)$ line, that is pointing away from the charge neutral filling, where we find prominent Chern insulators consistent with the experiments. We also explain the experimental absence of prominent Chern insulators along the Chern number $+\text{sign}\left(B\right)$ line.