Classification of time-reversal-invariant crystals with gauge structures

A peculiar feature of quantum states is that they may embody so-called projective representations of symmetries rather than ordinary representations. Projective representations of space groups-the defining symmetry of crystals-remain largely unexplored. Despite recent advances in artificial crystals, whose intrinsic gauge structures necessarily require a projective description, a unified theory is yet to be established. Here, we establish such a unified theory by exhaustively classifying and representing all 458 projective symmetry algebras of time-reversal-invariant crystals from 17 wallpaper groups in two dimensions-189 of which are algebraically non-equivalent. We discover three physical signatures resulting from projective symmetry algebras, including the shift of high-symmetry momenta, an enforced nontrivial Zak phase, and a spinless eight-fold nodal point. Our work offers a theoretical foundation for the field of artificial crystals and opens the door to a wealth of topological states and phenomena beyond the existing paradigms. Projective representations of crystal symmetries are indispensable for understanding artificial crystals. Here, authors establish a unified theory of projective crystal symmetries with time-reversal invariance, and construct models for all 458 projective symmetry algebras for the 17 two-dimensional wallpaper groups.

Automated summary

The authors establish a unified theory of projective crystal symmetries with time-reversal invariance and construct models for all 458 projective symmetry algebras for the 17 two-dimensional wallpaper groups. They discover three physical signatures resulting from projective symmetry algebras, including the shift of high-symmetry momenta, an enforced nontrivial Zak phase, and a spinless eight-fold nodal point. This work offers a theoretical foundation for the field of artificial crystals and opens the door to a wealth of topological states and phenomena beyond the existing paradigms.