Topological classification of k.p Hamiltonians for Chern insulators

Frank Kirtschig, Jeroen van den Brink, Carmine Ortix

Published 2015-03-25Version 1

We proof the existence of two different topological classes of low-energy k.p Hamiltonians for Chern insulators. Using the paradigmatic example of single-valley two-band models, we show that k.p Hamiltonians that we dub local have a topological invariant corresponding precisely to the Hall conductivity and linearly dispersing chiral midgap edge states at the expansion point. Non-local k.p Hamiltonians have a topological invariant that is twice the Hall conductivity of the system. This class is characterized by a non-local bulk-edge correspondence with midgap edge states appearing away from the high-symmetry k.p expansion point.