Edge and bulk merons in double quantum dots with spontaneous interlayer phase coherence

TL;DR

This paper explores the formation of merons in double quantum dots with symmetric confinement, revealing their nucleation inside and at the edges, along with associated electron density modulations, advancing understanding of topological excitations in quantum systems.

Contribution

It demonstrates the nucleation and characteristics of merons in double quantum dots with specific symmetry, including edge and bulk merons and their density modulations.

Findings

Merons can nucleate inside and at the edge of quantum dots.

Edge merons have approximately a half-integer winding number.

Electron density modulations are present inside the dots.

Abstract

We have investigated nucleation of merons in double quantum dots when a lateral distortion with a reflection symmetry is present in the confinement potential. We find that merons can nucleate both inside and at the edge of the dots. In addition to these merons, our results show that electron density modulations can be also present inside the dots. An edge meron appears to have approximately a half integer winding number.