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Title: Topological gaps by twisting
Abstract

Twisted bilayered systems such as bilayered graphene exhibit remarkable properties such as superconductivity at magic angles and topological insulating phases. For generic twist angles, the bilayers are truly quasiperiodic, a fact that is often overlooked and that has consequences which are largely unexplored. Herein, we uncover that twistedn-layers host intrinsic higher dimensional topological phases, and that those characterized by second Chern numbers can be found in twisted bi-layers. We employ phononic lattices with interactions modulated by a second twisted lattice and reveal Hofstadter-like spectral butterflies in terms of the twist angle, which acts as a pseudo magnetic field. The phason provided by the sliding of the layers lives on 2n-tori and can be used to access and manipulate the edge states. Our work demonstrates how multi-layered systems are virtual laboratories for studying the physics of higher dimensional quantum Hall effect, and can be employed to engineer topological pumps via simple twisting and sliding.

 
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Award ID(s):
1741685 1823800
NSF-PAR ID:
10249076
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Nature Publishing Group
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Communications Physics
Volume:
4
Issue:
1
ISSN:
2399-3650
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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