Atomic limit and inversion-symmetry indicators for topological superconductors

Abstract

Symmetry indicators have proven to be extremely helpful in identifying topologically non-trivial crystalline insulators using symmetry-group representations of their Bloch states. An extension of this approach to superconducting systems requires defining an appropriate atomic limit for Bogoliubov-de-Gennes Hamiltonians. Here, we introduce such a notion of atomic limit and derive a ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2^d}$-valued symmetry indicator for inversion-symmetric superconductors of $d$ dimensions. This indicator allows for a refined topological classification including higher-order phases for systems in the superconducting symmetry classes D and DIII. We further elucidate the bulk-boundary correspondence of these phases using Dirac surface theories. Requiring only the normal-state band structure and the superconducting order-parameter symmetry as an input, this indicator is well suited for a search of topological superconductors using first-principles calculations.

5 pages, 1 figure, 2 tables