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  • Letter
  • Open Access

Anti-higher-order Weyl semimetal

Cheng-Ming Miao1, Yu-Hao Wan1,*, and Qing-Feng Sun1,2,†

  • *Contact author: wanyh@stu.pku.edu.cn
  • †Contact author: sunqf@pku.edu.cn
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APS Open Sci. 1, L000063 – Published 16 July, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6r84-zzdj

Abstract

Higher-order topology extends the bulk-boundary correspondence by enabling corner or hinge localized states. Here, we identify an anti-higher-order Weyl semimetal, a three-dimensional topological phase in which the conventional boundary hierarchy is reversed. Unlike conventional higher-order Weyl semimetals where bulk topology enforces hinge Fermi arcs, this phase hosts anti-hinge states, meaning that the bulk topology forces states to vanish at specific hinge orientations. Using a minimal two-band model, we show how Weyl points separate the Brillouin zone into quantum anomalous Hall and anti-higher-order topological insulating regions, with the latter characterized by a band-inversion surface enclosing two distinct high-symmetry points carrying opposite topological charges. Analytical solutions for Weyl points, Berry-curvature monopoles, and slice Chern numbers are derived, with numerical simulations confirming the resulting anti-hinge behavior. Our work establishes anti-higher-order topology as a dual counterpart to conventional higher-order phenomena, further extending the exploration of topological phases.

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Outline

Information

APS Open Sci. 1, L000063– Published 16 July, 2026
Vol. 1
  • Received 27 March 2026
  • Revised 28 May 2026
  • Accepted 15 June 2026
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Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI.

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