A formula for Z_2 invariant of topological insulators

ORAL

Abstract

We propose a new formula for the Z_2 topological invariant for topological insulators with time reversal (TR) symmetry. Compared to most formulas that use geometry in momentum space, our result is a local formula that works in real space, with or without translational invariance. In the latter case, our formula only requires a mobility gap instead of spectral gap.

Presenters

  • Zhi Li

    • Univ of Pittsburgh

Authors

  • Zhi Li

    • Univ of Pittsburgh
  • Roger Mong

    • Univ of Pittsburgh
    • Physics, University of Pittsburgh
    • Physics and Astronomy, Univ of Pittsburgh