Do Linear Dispersions of Classical Waves Mean Dirac Cones?

Abstract

By using the \vec{k}\cdot\vec{p} method, we propose a first-principles theory to study the linear dispersions in phononic and photonic crystals. The theory reveals that only those linear dispersions created by doubly-degenerate states can be described by a reduced Hamiltonian that can be mapped into the Dirac Hamiltonian and possess a Berry phase of -\pi. Triply-degenerate states can also generate Dirac-like cone dispersions, but the wavefunctions transform like a spin-1 particle and the Berry phase is zero. Our theory is capable of predicting accurately the linear slopes of Dirac/Dirac-like cones at various symmetry points in a Brilliouin zone, independent of frequency and lattice structure.