Topological chiral modes in random scattering networks

Abstract

Using elementary graph theory, we show the existence of interface chiral modes in random oriented scattering networks and discuss their topological nature. For particular regular networks (e.g. L-lattice, Kagome and triangular networks), an explicit mapping with time-periodically driven (Floquet) tight-binding models is found. In that case, the interface chiral modes are identified as the celebrated anomalous edge states of Floquet topological insulators and their existence is enforced by a symmetry imposed by the associated network. This work thus generalizes these anomalous chiral states beyond Floquet systems, to a class of discrete-time dynamical systems where a periodic driving in time is not required.