Half-valley semimetal and largest inverse topological caloric effect at topological quantum criticality in the chiral-symmetric AIII class

Abstract

Half-valley semimetal (HVSM) and single-valley states are the hallmark of valleytronics in two-dimensional honeycomb lattice materials, but their quasi-one-dimensional analog that takes advantage of quantum manipulation has not yet been realized. We propose a double-helical ladder model described by a coupled double Su–Schrieffer–Heeger chain, wherein the interchain coupling controlled by magnetic flux induces time-reversal and particle-hole symmetry breaking and preserves only the chiral symmetry, which is classified into the AIII symmetry class. It realizes valley polarization, single-valley topological insulator, and HVSM as the topological quantum criticality (TQC), signaling well valley filter or valve effects. Furthermore, the TQC produces the largest inverse topological caloric effect accompanied by a T-linear relation of isothermal entropy change at ultra-low temperatures. Our findings not only open alternative perspectives for multifunctional quantum devices in valleytronics but also shed light on the thermodynamic characterization of TQC and promote the rapid development of topological quantum refrigeration technology.