paper

Quantum dot coupled to topological insulators: The role of edge states

arXiv:2112.11814 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.105.115419

Abstract

We investigate a system consisting of one or two topological-insulator leads which are tunnel coupled to a single dot level. The leads are described by the one-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. We show that (topological) edge states cause characteristic features in the dot spectral function, the dot occupation, and the finite-bias current across the dot. As the kinetic energy is quenched in the dot region, local two-particle interactions are of particular relevance there. This motivates us to test whether the aforementioned edge-state features are robust against such interactions; we report here that they are either robust or even enhanced. We conclude that the characteristic features can be used to determine if the leads are in their topologically non-trivial or trivial phase.

13 pages, 8 figures

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