Topological quantum transitions in a two-band Chern insulator with n = 2.

ABSTRACT

Based on a two-band Chern insulator with Chern number n = 2, we study the transport properties and the topological phase transition induced by either an external magnetic field or disorder. In this paper, a characteristic topological phase transition from n = 2 to n = 0, which is in sharp contrast to the plateau-plateau transition in the integer quantum Hall effect, is observed. This unique feature of the phase transition should be ascribed to the minimal two-band feature of this high Chern insulator. We prove this result by studying the transport properties of many different geometrical structures and the evolution of the Chern number in the presence of magnetic fields and strong disorder.