Topological states in a dimerized system with staggered magnetic fluxes

Robust edge states propagate along the edges and corner states gather at the corners in two-dimensional (2D) first-order and second-order topological insulators, respectively. Here, we report two kinds of topological states in an extended 2D dimerized lattice with staggered flux threading. At 1/2 filling, we observe isolated corner states as well as metallic near-edge states in the C = 2 Chern insulator states. At 1/4 filling, we find a C = 0 topological state, where the robust edge states are well localized along the edges but bypass corners. These topological insulator states differ from both conventional Chern insulators and the usual high-order topological insulators.

Automated summary

In this study, two types of topological states are observed in an extended 2D dimerized lattice with staggered flux threading. At 1/2 filling, isolated corner states and metallic near-edge states are observed in the C = 2 Chern insulator states. At 1/4 filling, a C = 0 topological state is found, where the robust edge states are well localized along the edges but bypass corners. These topological insulator states differ from both conventional Chern insulators and the usual high-order topological insulators.