Convergence of multiple ergodic averages along cubes for several commuting transformations

We prove the norm convergence of multiple ergodic averages along cubes for several commuting transformations, and derive corresponding combinatorial results. The method we use relies primarily on the "magic extension" established recently by B. ~Host

Multiple recurrence for two commuting transformations

This paper is devoted to a study of the multiple recurrence of two commuting transformations. We derive a result which is similar but not identical to that of one single transformation established by Bergelson, Host and Kra. We will use the machinery of "magic systems" established recently by B. Host for the proof

Convergence of weighted polynomial multiple ergodic averages

We study here weighted polynomial multiple ergodic averages. A sequence of weights is called universally good if any polynomial multiple ergodic average with this sequence of weights converges in $L^{2}$. We find a necessary condition and show that for any bounded measurable function $\phi$ on an ergodic system, the sequence $\phi(T^{n}x)$ is universally good for almost every $x$. The linear case was understood by Host and Kra

Lower bound in the Roth theorem for amenable groups

Let $T_1$, $T_2$ be two commuting probability measure-preserving actions of a countable amenable group such that the group spanned by these actions acts ergodically. We show that $\mu(A\cap T_1^g A\cap T_1^g T_2^g A) > \mu(A)^4-{\epsilon}$ on a syndetic set for any measurable set $A$ and any $\epsilon>0$. The proof uses the concept of a sated system introduced by Austin.Comment: v2: added a counterexample showing that the exponent in the main result cannot be improved to 3. To appear in Ergodic Theory and Dynamical System

Surface-edge state and half quantized Hall conductance in topological insulators

We propose a surface-edge state theory for half quantized Hall conductance of surface states in topological insulators. The gap opening of a single Dirac cone for the surface states in a weak magnetic field is demonstrated. We find a new surface state resides on the surface edges and carries chiral edge current, resulting in a half-quantized Hall conductance in a four-terminal setup. We also give a physical interpretation of the half quantized conductance by showing that this state is the product of splitting of a boundary bound state of massive Dirac fermions which carries a conductance quantum

Quantum percolation in quantum spin Hall antidot systems

We study the influences of antidot-induced bound states on transport properties of two- dimensional quantum spin Hall insulators. The bound statesare found able to induce quantum percolation in the originally insulating bulk. At some critical antidot densities, the quantum spin Hall phase can be completely destroyed due to the maximum quantum percolation. For systems with periodic boundaries, the maximum quantum percolationbetween the bound states creates intermediate extended states in the bulk which is originally gapped and insulating. The antidot in- duced bound states plays the same role as the magnetic field inthe quantum Hall effect, both makes electrons go into cyclotron motions. We also draw an analogy between the quantum percolation phenomena in this system and that in the network models of quantum Hall effect

Ergodic averages of commuting transformations with distinct degree polynomial iterates

We prove mean convergence, as $N\to\infty$, for the multiple ergodic averages $\frac{1}{N}\sum_{n=1}^N f_1(T_1^{p_1(n)}x)... f_\ell(T_\ell^{p_\ell(n)}x)$, where $p_1,...,p_\ell$ are integer polynomials with distinct degrees, and $T_1,...,T_\ell$ are commuting, invertible measure preserving transformations, acting on the same probability space. This establishes several cases of a conjecture of Bergelson and Leibman, that complement the case of linear polynomials, recently established by Tao. Furthermore, we show that, unlike the case of linear polynomials, for polynomials of distinct degrees, the corresponding characteristic factors are mixtures of inverse limits of nilsystems. We use this particular structure, together with some equidistribution results on nilmanifolds, to give an application to multiple recurrence and a corresponding one to combinatorics.Comment: 44 pages, small correction in the proof of Lemma 7.5, appeared in the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Societ

Local diffusion theory of localized waves in open media

We report a first-principles study of static transport of localized waves in quasi-one-dimensional open media. We found that such transport, dominated by disorder-induced resonant transmissions, displays novel diffusive behavior. Our analytical predictions are entirely confirmed by numerical simulations. We showed that the prevailing self-consistent localization theory [van Tiggelen, {\it et. al.}, Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{84}, 4333 (2000)] is valid only if disorder-induced resonant transmissions are negligible. Our findings open a new direction in the study of Anderson localization in open media.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figure

Electric field modulation of topological order in thin film semiconductors

We propose a method that can consecutively modulate the topological orders or the number of helical edge states in ultrathin film semiconductors without a magnetic field. By applying a staggered periodic potential, the system undergoes a transition from a topological trivial insulating state into a non-trivial one with helical edge states emerging in the band gap. Further study demonstrates that the number of helical edge state can be modulated by the amplitude and the geometry of the electric potential in a step-wise fashion, which is analogous to tuning the integer quantum Hall conductance by a megntic field. We address the feasibility of experimental measurement of this topological transition.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Surface and Edge States in Topological Semi-metals

We study the topologically non-trivial semi-metals by means of the 6-band Kane model. Existence of surface states is explicitly demonstrated by calculating the LDOS on the material surface. In the strain free condition, surface states are divided into two parts in the energy spectrum, one part is in the direct gap, the other part including the crossing point of surface state Dirac cone is submerged in the valence band. We also show how uni-axial strain induces an insulating band gap and raises the crossing point from the valence band into the band gap, making the system a true topological insulator. We predict existence of helical edge states and spin Hall effect in the thin film topological semi-metals, which could be tested with future experiment. Disorder is found to significantly enhance the spin Hall effect in the valence band of the thin films