Density Waves Instability and a Skyrmion Lattice on the Surface of Strong Topological Insulators

Abstract

In this work we analyze the instability conditions for spin-density-waves (SDW) formation on the surface of strong topological insulators. We find that for a certain range of Fermi-energies and strength of interactions the SDW state is favored compared to the unmagnetized and the uniform-magnetization states. We also find that the SDW are of spiral nature and for a certain range of parameters a Skyrmion-lattice may form on the surface. We show that this phase may have a non trivial Chern-number even in the absence of an external magnetic field.