Edge states in super honeycomb structures with PT-symmetric deformations

Abstract

The existence of edge states is one of the most vital properties of topological insulators. Although tremendous success has been accomplished in describing and explaining edge states associated with PT symmetry breaking, little work has been done on PT symmetry preserving cases. Two-dimensional Schroedinger operators with super honeycomb lattice potentials always have double Dirac cones at the Gamma point - the zero momentum point on their energy bands due to C6 symmetry, PT symmetry, and the "folding" symmetry - caused by an additional translation symmetry. There are two topologically different ways to deform such a system by PT symmetry preserving but folding symmetry breaking perturbations. Interestingly, there exist two gapped edge states on the interface between such two kinds of perturbed materials. In this paper, we illustrate the existence of such PT preserving edge states rigorously for the first time. We use a domain wall modulated Schroedinger operator to model the phenomenon under small perturbations and rigorously prove the existence of two gapped edge states. We also provide a brief interpretation from the point of view of "topology" by the parities of degenerate bulk modes. Our work thoroughly explains the existence of "helical" like edge states in super honeycomb configurations and lays a foundation for the descriptions of topologies of such systems.