- Letter
Alteration of topology in quantum phase transitions via symmetry enrichment
Phys. Rev. B 112, L041112 – Published 11 July, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/zzgg-h4f6
Abstract
Topology plays a cardinal role in explaining phases and quantum phase transitions beyond the Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson paradigm. In this Letter, we formulate a set of models of Dirac fermions in dimensions with symmetry that have the potential to host critical points described by field theories with topological terms. For it shows a rich phase diagram containing semimetallic, quantum spin Hall insulating, Kekulé valence bond solid, and -wave superconducting phases, and features multiple Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson phase transitions driven by interaction strength. At a deconfined quantum critical point is observed. At one expects the critical theory to correspond to a level 2 Wess-Zumino-Witten theory in dimensions. Here, the numerical results however show a strong first-order transition. Another transition can be governed by a topological term which is rendered irrelevant for even values of , thus leading to Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson behavior.