Switchable Chern Insulators and Competing Quantum Phases in Rhombohedral Graphene Moiré Superlattices

Graphene-based moiré superlattices provide a versatile platform for exploring novel correlated and topological electronic states, driven by enhanced Coulomb interactions within flat bands. The intrinsic tunability of graphene's multiple degrees of freedom enables precise control over these complex quantum phases. In this study, we observe a range of competing phases and their transitions in rhombohedral stacked hexalayer graphene on hexagonal boron nitride (r-6G/hBN) moiré superlattices. When electrons are polarized away from the moiré superlattice, we first identify a Chern insulator with reversible Chern numbers at v=1 (one electron per moiré cell), revealing a competition between bulk and edge orbital magnetization. At v=2, three distinct insulating phases-spin-antiferromagnetic, spin-polarized, and valley-polarized-emerge under vertical displacement field D and magnetic field B_{⊥}, governed by hierarchical isospin symmetry breaking. Furthermore, charge density wave (CDW) states at ν=1/3 and 2/3, along with a magnetic-field-induced stripe phase at ν=1/2, demonstrate tunable correlated orders at fractional fillings. Our findings reveal a rich interplay of charge, isospin, topology, and magnetic field in rhombohedral graphene moiré superlattices.

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Publication Details

Journal
Physical Review Letters
Published
2025-09-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/chsq-ndzs
Citations
3
Primary Topic
Graphene research and applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.55
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article

Switchable Chern Insulators and Competing Quantum Phases in Rhombohedral Graphene Moiré Superlattices

Bosai Lyu, Si Wu, Takashi Taniguchi, Kenji Watanabe et al.
3 citations
Physical Review Letters
Graphene research and applications
1.55
article

Switchable Chern Insulators and Competing Quantum Phases in Rhombohedral Graphene Moiré Superlattices

Bosai Lyu, Si Wu, Takashi Taniguchi, Kenji Watanabe, Zhengxian Li, Jinfeng Jia, S.M Liu, Zhiwen Shi, Yating Sha, Guorui Chen, Jian Zheng, Kai Liu
article en
3 citations

Abstract

Graphene-based moiré superlattices provide a versatile platform for exploring novel correlated and topological electronic states, driven by enhanced Coulomb interactions within flat bands. The intrinsic tunability of graphene's multiple degrees of freedom enables precise control over these complex quantum phases. In this study, we observe a range of competing phases and their transitions in rhombohedral stacked hexalayer graphene on hexagonal boron nitride (r-6G/hBN) moiré superlattices. When electrons are polarized away from the moiré superlattice, we first identify a Chern insulator with reversible Chern numbers at v=1 (one electron per moiré cell), revealing a competition between bulk and edge orbital magnetization. At v=2, three distinct insulating phases-spin-antiferromagnetic, spin-polarized, and valley-polarized-emerge under vertical displacement field D and magnetic field B_{⊥}, governed by hierarchical isospin symmetry breaking. Furthermore, charge density wave (CDW) states at ν=1/3 and 2/3, along with a magnetic-field-induced stripe phase at ν=1/2, demonstrate tunable correlated orders at fractional fillings. Our findings reveal a rich interplay of charge, isospin, topology, and magnetic field in rhombohedral graphene moiré superlattices.

Physical Review LettersVol. 135(13)
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CN), National Institute for Materials Science (JP)
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Graphene research and applications
1.55
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