Symmetry indicators of band topology

Hoi Chun Po

Published 2020-02-21Version 1

Topological materials are quantum materials with nontrivial ground-state entanglement that are irremovable so long as certain rules, like invariance under symmetries and the existence of an energy gap, are respected. They showcase unconventional properties like robust anomalous surface states and quantized physical responses. The intense research efforts in understanding topological materials result in a modernized perspective on the decades-old theory of symmetry representations in electronic band structures, and inspire the development of general theories that enable the efficient diagnosis of topological materials using only symmetry data. One example is the theory of symmetry indicators of band topology, which is the focus of this topical review. We will aim at providing a pedagogical introduction to the key concepts and constructions in the theory, alongside with a brief summary of the latest development.