Robust edge states induced by electron-phonon interaction in graphene nanoribbons

Abstract

The search of new means of generating and controlling topological states of matter is at the front of many joint efforts, including band-gap engineering by doping and light-induced topological states. Most of our understading, however, is based on a single particle picture. Topological states in systems including interaction effects, such as electron-electron and electron-phonon, remain less explored. By exploiting a nonperturbative and nonadiabatic picture, here we show how the interaction between electrons and a coherent phonon mode can lead to a band gap hosting edge states of topological origin. Further numerical simulations witness the robustness of these states against different types of disorder. Our results contribute to the search of topological states, in this case in a minimal Fock space.