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Generalized Peierls Substitution for Wannier Obstructions: Response to Disorder and Interactions

Shuai A. Chen* and Roderich Moessner

Tai Kai Ng

  • *Contact author: chsh@pks.mpg.de
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 116502 – Published 9 September, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/xkxw-1134

Abstract

We study the interplay between quantum geometry, interactions, and external fields in complex band systems. When Wannier obstructions preclude a description based solely on atomiclike orbitals, this complicates the prediction of electromagnetic responses, particularly in the presence of disorder and interactions. In this Letter, we introduce a generalized Peierls substitution framework based on Lagrange multipliers to enforce the constraints of the Wannier obstruction in the band of interest. Thus, we obtain effective descriptions of interactions and disorder in the presence of nontrivial quantum geometry of that band. We apply our approach to examples including the diamagnetic response in flat-band superconductors and delocalization effects in flat-band metals caused by interactions and disorder.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 116502– Published 9 September, 2025
  • Received 12 March 2025
  • Accepted 18 August 2025
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