SciPost logo

SciPost Submission Page

Quasiperiodic Quadrupole Insulators

by Raul Liquito, Miguel Gonçalves, Eduardo V. Castro

This Submission thread is now published as

Submission summary

Authors (as registered SciPost users): Raul Liquito
Submission information
Preprint Link: scipost_202502_00012v2  (pdf)
Date accepted: June 5, 2025
Date submitted: May 26, 2025, 12:30 p.m.
Submitted by: Liquito, Raul
Submitted to: SciPost Physics
Ontological classification
Academic field: Physics
Specialties:
  • Condensed Matter Physics - Theory
  • Condensed Matter Physics - Computational
Approaches: Theoretical, Computational

Abstract

Higher-order topological insulators are an intriguing new family of topological states that host lower-dimensional boundary states. Concurrently, quasiperiodic systems have garnered significant interest due to their complex localization and topological properties. In this work we study the impact of chiral symmetry preserving quasiperiodic modulations on the paradigmatic Benalcazar-Bernevig-Hughes model, which hosts topological insulating phases with zero-energy sublattice-polarized modes. We find that the topological properties are not only robust to the quasiperiodic modulation, but can even be enriched. In particular, we unveil the first instance of a quasiperiodic induced second-order topological insulating phase. Furthermore, in contrast with disorder, we find that quasiperiodic modulations can induce multiple reentrant topological transitions, showing an intricate sequence of localization properties. Our results open a promising avenue for exploring the rich interplay between higher-order topology and quasiperiodicity.

Author indications on fulfilling journal expectations

  • Provide a novel and synergetic link between different research areas.
  • Open a new pathway in an existing or a new research direction, with clear potential for multi-pronged follow-up work
  • Detail a groundbreaking theoretical/experimental/computational discovery
  • Present a breakthrough on a previously-identified and long-standing research stumbling block

Author comments upon resubmission

In this resubmission we have made the modifications proposed in the second referee reply.

List of changes

- Minor changes to the abstract: “In this work we study the impact of chiral symmetry preserving quasiperiodic modulations on the paradigmatic Benalcazar-Bernevig-Hughes model, which hosts topological insulating phases with zero-energy sublattice-polarized modes.”

- Extended the paragraph after equation 3, to clarify that we treat the model with chiral symmetry and sub lattice-polarized corner modes, and expanded on the symmetries of the model as a function of phase shifts.

- Added log to the colorbar of Fig. 1(b).

- Changed the colormap (plasma) of all density plots.

- Extended the discussion of phase shifts at the end of the paragraph that antecedes equation 4, to clarify the role of phase shifts in finite and open boundary systems.

- Rewrote the third paragraph of the conclusion to include some of the remarks made in the referee report.

Published as SciPost Phys. 18, 208 (2025)

Login to report or comment