High-energy topological edge states and strain-induced multiple flat bands in a honeycomb lattice

Abstract

We propose a novel anti-twig edge in the honeycomb lattice (HCL) that supports two symmetric high-energy edge states. It is different from the twig edge supporting the zero-energy flat band. Moreover, multiple flat bands are produced by applying a strain to the HCL with a twig edge or an anti-twig edge, and the suppression or enhancement of the high-energy edge state is observed. Under the edge-parallel stretch strain, the high-energy edge state band merges into the bulk band, suppressing the high-energy edge state, while the zero-energy edge state becomes delocalized. On the other hand, under the action of the edge-parallel compression strain, both the high-energy and zero-energy edge states exhibit strong localization. Pseudo-topological protection of the high-energy edge state is explored too. Finally, by reconstructing the anti-twig edge in the HCL, degenerate flat bands and strain-induced multiple flat bands are produced, and topologically protected vacated anti-twig edge states are demonstrated.