Classification and properties of symmetry-enriched topological phases: Chern-Simons approach with applications to Z2_2 spin liquids

Feb 11, 2013
32 pages
Published in:
  • Phys.Rev.B 93 (2016) 15, 155121
  • Published: Apr 12, 2016
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Abstract: (APS)
We study (2+1)-dimensional phases with topological order, such as fractional quantum Hall states and gapped spin liquids, in the presence of global symmetries. Phases that share the same topological order can then differ depending on the action of symmetry, leading to symmetry-enriched topological (SET) phases. Here, we present a K-matrix Chern-Simons approach to identify distinct phases with Abelian topological order, in the presence of unitary or antiunitary global symmetries. A key step is the identification of a smooth edge sewing condition that is used to check if two putative phases are indeed distinct. We illustrate this method by classifying Z2 topological order (Z2 spin liquids) in the presence of an internal Z2 global symmetry for which we find six distinct phases. These include two phases with an unconventional action of symmetry that permutes anyons leading to symmetry-protected Majorana edge modes. Other routes to realizing protected edge states in SET phases are identified. Symmetry-enriched Laughlin states and double-semion theories are also discussed. Somewhat surprisingly, we observe that (i) gauging the global symmetry of distinct SET phases leads to topological orders with the same total quantum dimension, and (ii) a pair of distinct SET phases can yield the same topological order on gauging the symmetry.
Note:
  • 22 pages + 7 pages appendices
  • 71.27.+a
  • 11.15.Yc
  • phase: topological
  • symmetry: global
  • spin: liquid
  • fermion: heavy
  • Z(2)
  • Chern-Simons term
  • quantum number
  • fractional