Disorder‐Induced Transitions in Topological Phases of the Hofstadter Model

ABSTRACT Topological phases of matter are known for their robustness against perturbations, yet their stability under disorder remains an open question of both theoretical and experimental relevance. We study the disordered Hofstadter model, where magnetic flux generates fractal minibands carrying nontrivial Chern numbers. Using numerical simulations, we construct a disorder–flux phase diagram by computing Chern numbers and gap statistics across a wide range of parameters. We find that weak to moderate disorder preserves quantized Chern phases, while strong disorder closes mobility gaps, induces Chern‐number fluctuations, and drives transitions to trivial insulating states. Our results provide direct guidelines for engineering disorder and flux in synthetic lattices, with implications for quantum simulation and quantum device design.

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Publication Details

Journal
Annalen der Physik
Published
2025-11-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/andp.202500423
Primary Topic
Topological Materials and Phenomena
Type
article
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article

Disorder‐Induced Transitions in Topological Phases of the Hofstadter Model

Junais Habeeb Mokkath
Annalen der Physik
Topological Materials and Phenomena
article

Disorder‐Induced Transitions in Topological Phases of the Hofstadter Model

Junais Habeeb Mokkath
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Topological phases of matter are known for their robustness against perturbations, yet their stability under disorder remains an open question of both theoretical and experimental relevance. We study the disordered Hofstadter model, where magnetic flux generates fractal minibands carrying nontrivial Chern numbers. Using numerical simulations, we construct a disorder–flux phase diagram by computing Chern numbers and gap statistics across a wide range of parameters. We find that weak to moderate disorder preserves quantized Chern phases, while strong disorder closes mobility gaps, induces Chern‐number fluctuations, and drives transitions to trivial insulating states. Our results provide direct guidelines for engineering disorder and flux in synthetic lattices, with implications for quantum simulation and quantum device design.

Annalen der PhysikVol. 538(1)
Integrative Medicine Institute (US), Chalmers University of Technology (SE)
Openalex Percentile: Top 73%
Topological Materials and Phenomena
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