Topological Materials Reveal Stronger Interactions at Open Edges

A thorough investigation into the interplay between topology and charge ordering in interacting non-Hermitian systems reveals potential for new electronic devices. Sebastião dos A. Sousa-Júnior and colleagues at University of Houston, in collaboration with Uppsala University and Brazilian Centre For Research in Physics, detail how interactions sharply alter the behaviour of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model, especially under open boundary conditions. The study uncovers a key topological marker that precisely identifies topological phases and their breakdown, coinciding with the formation of charge density waves. Non-Hermiticity amplifies interaction effects, leading to a pronounced increase in staggered charge correlations and promoting electronic instabilities near exceptional points, thus deepening understanding…