Correlation-assisted quantized charge pumping

We investigate charge pumping in the vicinity of order-obstructed topological phases, i.e., symmetry-protected topological phases masked by spontaneous symmetry breaking in the presence of strong correlations. To explore this, we study a prototypical Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model with finite-range interaction that gives rise to orbital charge density wave order and characterize the impact of this order on the model's topological properties. In the ordered phase, where the many-body topological invariant loses quantization, we find that not only is quantized charge pumping still possible, but it is even assisted by the collective nature of the orbital charge density wave order. Remarkably, we show that the Thouless pump scenario may be used to uncover the underlying topology of order-obstructed phases.

Automated summary

The study investigates charge pumping near order-obstructed topological phases where quantized charge pumping is still possible even in the presence of strong correlations and spontaneous symmetry breaking. The presence of orbital charge density wave order in the model's ordered phase assists in this quantized charge pumping, demonstrating the collective nature of this order. Additionally, the study shows that the Thouless pump scenario can be used to uncover the underlying topology of order-obstructed phases.