Symmetry-Based Classification of Exact Flat Bands in Single and Bilayer Moiré Systems
Landau levels have been central to the discovery of exotic quantum phases and their unprecedentedly deep roots in geometry and topology. A powerful concept called "vortexability" extends this framework to moiré systems. In this Letter, we show that vortexable systems support not only Landau-level-like flat bands but also entirely new types with distinct topological properties. Notably, while n_{b} Landau levels have total Chern number C=n_{b}, vortexable moiré systems can host n_{b} flat bands with C=1≠n_{b}. We provide a complete classification of such exact flat bands in single and bilayer systems with Dirac or quadratic band crossings, identifying the symmetry conditions that govern their number and topology. Up to six flat bands can be symmetry protected. We construct explicit wave functions, showing that sublattice-polarized states always sum to Chern number ±1 and satisfy ideal non-Abelian quantum geometry. When the Berry curvature is sharply peaked, we show that a topological heavy-fermion description remains valid-even for bands with high degeneracy.
Authors
- Shi‐Zeng Lin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4368-5244)
- Kai Sun (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0041-6044)
- Xiaohan Wan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5017-1264)
- Karl J. Friston
Institutions
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (US)
- University of Michigan (US)
- Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Physical Review Letters
- Published
- 2025-06-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1103/nys8-5mg2
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Topological Materials and Phenomena
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.74
Funders
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
- Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies
- National Nuclear Security Administration
- Office of Naval Research
- Laboratory Directed Research and Development
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Los Alamos National Laboratory