Magic of high-order van Hove singularity

Nat Commun. 2019 Dec 18;10(1):5769. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-13670-9.

Abstract

The van Hove singularity in density of states generally exists in periodic systems due to the presence of saddle points of energy dispersion in momentum space. We introduce a new type of van Hove singularity in two dimensions, resulting from high-order saddle points and exhibiting power-law divergent density of states. We show that high-order van Hove singularity can be generally achieved by tuning the band structure with a single parameter in moiré superlattices, such as twisted bilayer graphene by tuning twist angle or applying pressure, and trilayer graphene by applying vertical electric field. Correlation effects from high-order van Hove singularity near Fermi level are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.