Stable real-space invariants and topology beyond symmetry indicators

Устойчивые инварианты в реальном пространстве и топология за пределами индикаторов симметрии
B. Andrei Bernevig, Luis Elcoro, Zhida Song, Barry Bradlyn, Frank Schindler, Yoonseok Hwang, Vaibhav Gupta
2026-07-11

Wannier state multiplicitieselementary band representationsobstructed atomic insulatorstable real-space invariantssymmetry indicators
We introduce stable real-space invariants (SRSIs), topological invariants defined from adiabatic deformations between Wannier states, generalizing previously discovered local and composite real-space invariants. SRSIs are $${\mathbb{Z}}$$- and $${{\mathbb{Z}}}_{n}$$-valued (n = 2, 4) linear combinations of Wannier state multiplicities characterizing the stable equivalence of atomic insulators. We enumerate all SRSIs in nonmagnetic space groups with and without spin-orbit coupling. $${\mathbb{Z}}$$SRSIs are in one-to-one correspondence with momentum-space symmetry data and thus determine symmetry indicators of topology (SIs). $${{\mathbb{Z}}}_{n}$$SRSIs capture real-space information beyond momentum-space symmetry data and SIs. Applying SRSIs to split elementary band representations (EBRs) whose symmetry data decomposes into positive sums of other EBR symmetry data, we diagnose the topology of all 211 cases across 51 space groups except for 8 exceptions in 5 space groups. Our results solidify Topological Quantum Chemistry beyond SIs and momentum-space symmetry data. Finally, we use SRSIs to diagnose an obstructed atomic insulator in a realistic material. The authors introduce stable real-space invariants (SRSIs) that remain invariant under stable, adiabatic deformations of bands. They show that SRSIs provide information beyond symmetry indicators, and that Zn-valued SRSIs provide information inaccessible from momentum-space symmetry data alone.
1
All SRSIs are enumerated for nonmagnetic space groups with and without spin-orbit coupling.
2
Applying SRSIs diagnoses topology for 211 cases of split elementary band representations across 51 space groups, with 8 exceptions in 5 space groups.
3
SRSIs can diagnose obstructed atomic insulators in realistic materials, demonstrating applicability beyond theoretical classification.
4
SRSIs take values in Z and Z_n (n = 2,4) as linear combinations of Wannier state multiplicities that classify stable equivalence of atomic insulators.
5
Stable real-space invariants (SRSIs) are topological invariants defined from adiabatic deformations between Wannier states, generalizing prior local and composite real-space invariants.
6
Z-valued SRSIs are in one-to-one correspondence with momentum-space symmetry data and thus determine symmetry indicators (SIs).
7
Z_n-valued SRSIs (n = 2,4) capture real-space information beyond momentum-space symmetry data and symmetry indicators.

Stable real-space invariants (SRSIs) defined from adiabatic deformations between Wannier states

Classification and diagnostic power of SRSIs for topology of atomic insulators and split elementary band representations, including enumeration in nonmagnetic space groups, correspondence with symmetry indicators, and real-space information beyond momentum-space symmetry data

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2026-07-11
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B. Andrei Bernevig
Luis Elcoro
Zhida Song
Barry Bradlyn
Frank Schindler
Yoonseok Hwang
Vaibhav Gupta
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