Constructing Landau framework for topological order: Quantum chains and ladders

Abstract: We studied quantum phase transitions in the antiferromagnetic dimerized spin-1/2 XY chain andvtwo-leg ladders. From analysis of several spin models we present our main result: the framework to deal with topological orders and hidden symmetries within the Landau paradigm. After mapping of the spin Hamiltonians onto the tight-binding models with Dirac or Majorana fermions and, when necessary, the mean-field approximation, the analysis can be done analytically. By utilizing duality transformations the calculation of nonlocal string order parameters is mapped onto the local order problem in some dual representation and done without further approximations. Calculated phase diagrams, phase boundaries, order parameters and their symmetries for each of the phases provide a comprehensive quantitative Landau description of the quantum critical properties of the models considered. Complementarily, the phases with hidden orders can also be distinguished by the Pontryagin (winding) numbers which we have calculated as well. This unified framework can be straightforwardly applied for various spin chains and ladders, topological insulators and superconductors. Applications to other systems are under way.