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About me
About me
I grew up in Shenzhen, a modern large-port city located on the southern coast of China. In 2009, I went to Hong Kong to pursue my undergraduate studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, where I obtained Bachelor of Science in Physics in 2013, and later my Ph.D. in Physics in 2018 under the supervision of Vic Kam Tuen Law. During my Ph.D. years I became a Hong Kong permanent resident.
After graduation, I moved to Canada and joined the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute at the University of British Columbia as a Croucher Fellow, working with Marcel Franz on correlation and topology in 2D quantum materials. In 2024 I joined the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) as an Assistant Professor at the Thrust of Advanced Materials & Quantum Science and Technology Center, leading a team on theoretical quantum condensed matter physics. I am currently serving as a referee of Nature Physics, Physical Review Letters and Physical Review B.
Research interests
Research interests
As a condensed matter theorist, I explore exotic properties of quantum materials through the organizing principles of symmetry and topology. By developing models for topological insulators, topological semimetals, graphene, transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), high Tc cuprates, and their composites formed by angular twists, I propose theories for the novel geometric, topological and correlated phenomena relevant to real materials under current investigations in the labs of my experimental colleagues. My latest interests have been revolving about: (i) correlation and topology, as well as the intriguing interplay between the two, in 2D moiré quantum matter, e.g., twisted graphene/TMDs and twisted unconventional superconductors such as high Tc cuprates, rhombohedral graphene and zerconium nitrides; (ii) quantum geometric, topological and correlated physics in novel 2D electride yttrium monochlorides (YCl); (iii) hidden quantum geometric effects in layered van der Waals-stacked materials.
Representative publications
Representative publications
Quantum-geometric Origin of Out-of-plane Stacking Ferroelectricity
Quantum-geometric Origin of Out-of-plane Stacking Ferroelectricity
Benjamin T. Zhou†, Vedangi Pathak, Marcel Franz
Benjamin T. Zhou†, Vedangi Pathak, Marcel Franz
Stacking ferroelectricity (SFE) has been discovered recently in a wide variety of bilayer van der Waals materials whose monolayer constituents are otherwise non-polar. In this Letter, we show that the microscopic origin of out-of-plane stacking ferroelectric polarization can be generally understood as a nontrivial Berry phase borne out of an effective Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model description with broken sublattice symmetry, thus elucidating the quantum-geometric origin of polarization in the extremely non-periodic bilayer limit. Our explanatory theory based on the quantum-geometric perspective establishes quantitative understanding of out-of-plane SFE materials beyond symmetry principles.
Non-Abelian topological superconductivity in maximally twisted double-layer spin-triplet valley-singlet superconductors
Non-Abelian topological superconductivity in maximally twisted double-layer spin-triplet valley-singlet superconductors
Benjamin T. Zhou†, Shannon Egan, Dhruv Kush, Marcel Franz†
Benjamin T. Zhou†, Shannon Egan, Dhruv Kush, Marcel Franz†
Motivated by recent advances in twistronics, we propose that an intrinsic chiral f + if'-wave topological superconductor(TSC) hosting non-Abelian Majorana zero modes (MZMs) is one 'maximal twist' away from two layers of unconventional, yet topologically trivial, spin-triplet superconductors found in recent studies on rhombohedral graphene and zerconium nitrides. Different from the magic arising from small twists in magic-angle graphene, the nontrivial chiral TSC emerges at a large twist angle around 30 degrees due to an emergent 12-fold quasi-crystalline symmetry.
Motivated by recent advances in twistronics, we propose that an intrinsic chiral f + if'-wave topological superconductor(TSC) hosting non-Abelian Majorana zero modes (MZMs) is one 'maximal twist' away from two layers of unconventional, yet topologically trivial, spin-triplet superconductors found in recent studies on rhombohedral graphene and zerconium nitrides. Different from the magic arising from small twists in magic-angle graphene, the nontrivial chiral TSC emerges at a large twist angle around 30 degrees due to an emergent 12-fold quasi-crystalline symmetry.
Spontaneous-polarization-induced photovoltaic effect in rhombohedrally stacked MoS2
Spontaneous-polarization-induced photovoltaic effect in rhombohedrally stacked MoS2
Dongyang Yang, Jingda Wu, Benjamin T. Zhou, Jing Liang, Toshiya Ideue, Teri Siu, Kashif Masud Awan, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Yoshihiro Iwasa, Marcel Franz, Ziliang Ye
In this collaborative work with Ziliang Ye's group at UBC, we provide a theoretical explanation of the Berry phase origin behind the emergence of ferroelectric polarization in rhombohedrally stacked bilayer MoS2, which establishes the (quantum) microscopic mechanism that underpins the working principles of an atomically thin photovoltaic device.
In this collaborative work with Ziliang Ye's group at UBC, we provide a theoretical explanation of the Berry phase origin behind the emergence of ferroelectric polarization in rhombohedrally stacked bilayer MoS2, which establishes the (quantum) microscopic mechanism that underpins the working principles of an atomically thin photovoltaic device.
Moiré flat Chern bands and correlated quantum anomalous Hall states generated by spin-orbit couplings in twisted homobilayer MoS2
Moiré flat Chern bands and correlated quantum anomalous Hall states generated by spin-orbit couplings in twisted homobilayer MoS2
Benjamin T. Zhou†, Shannon Egan, Marcel Franz†
In this Letter, we propose that the unique combination of small angular twist and local symmetry breaking leads to topological moiré flat Chern bands (per each valley) with unusual skyrmion number S=±2 that stem from the conduction band states in homobilayer MoS2. We further discuss how electron correlations lift the valley degeneracy at half-filling and lead to a valley-polarized quantum anomalous Hall state.
In this Letter, we propose that the unique combination of small angular twist and local symmetry breaking leads to topological moiré flat Chern bands (per each valley) with unusual skyrmion number S=±2 that stem from the conduction band states in homobilayer MoS2. We further discuss how electron correlations lift the valley degeneracy at half-filling and lead to a valley-polarized quantum anomalous Hall state.
Spin-Orbit-Parity-Coupled Superconductivity in Topological Monolayer WTe2
Spin-Orbit-Parity-Coupled Superconductivity in Topological Monolayer WTe2
Ying-Ming Xie*, Benjamin T. Zhou*, K. T. Law
In this Letter, we propose a new form of superconductivity - referred to as spin-orbit-parity-coupled (SOPC) superconductivity - which can withstand in-plane upper critical fields surpassing the conventional Pauli limit. Such exotic pairing states can occur in a general centrosymmetric topological material, which stands in stark contrast with Ising superconductors in which the inversion symmetry breaking is crucial for the strong enhancement of in-plane critical fields.
In this Letter, we propose a new form of superconductivity - referred to as spin-orbit-parity-coupled (SOPC) superconductivity - which can withstand in-plane upper critical fields surpassing the conventional Pauli limit. Such exotic pairing states can occur in a general centrosymmetric topological material, which stands in stark contrast with Ising superconductors in which the inversion symmetry breaking is crucial for the strong enhancement of in-plane critical fields.
Our prediction of SOPC superconductivity has been verified in a recent experiment in 2M-WS2 [Nature Physics 19, 106-113 (2023)] by Prof. Faxian Xiu's group at Fudan University. See also "A highly anisotropic polymorph" by Joseph Falson in News and Views in Nature Physics.
Our prediction of SOPC superconductivity has been verified in a recent experiment in 2M-WS2 [Nature Physics 19, 106-113 (2023)] by Prof. Faxian Xiu's group at Fudan University. See also "A highly anisotropic polymorph" by Joseph Falson in News and Views in Nature Physics.
Proximity-induced surface superconductivity in Dirac semimetal Cd3As2
Proximity-induced surface superconductivity in Dirac semimetal Cd3As2
Ce Huang*, Benjamin T. Zhou*, Huiqin Zhang, Bingjia Yang, Ran Liu, Hanwen Wang, Yimin Wan, Ke Huang, Zhiming Liao, Enze Zhang, Shanshan Liu, Qingsong Deng, Yanhui Chen, Xiaodong Han, Jin Zou, Xi Lin, Zheng Han, Yihua Wang, Kam Tuen Law, Faxian Xiu
In this collaborative work with Prof. Faxian Xiu's group at Fudan University, we explained the pronounced superconducting proximity effects in the Fermi arcs of a three-dimensional Dirac semimetal(DSM) Cd3As2. Through realistic simulations of the spectroscopic and transport properties of the DSM/superconductor junction, we revealed that the strong proximity-induced pairing in the Fermi arcs manifests itself as a flat conductance plateau in the differential conductance spectra. The presence of non-dissipative surface currents was confirmed by the spatial image of supercurrents resolved from the Fraunhofer pattern formed under superconducting quantum interference.
In this collaborative work with Prof. Faxian Xiu's group at Fudan University, we explained the pronounced superconducting proximity effects in the Fermi arcs of a three-dimensional Dirac semimetal(DSM) Cd3As2. Through realistic simulations of the spectroscopic and transport properties of the DSM/superconductor junction, we revealed that the strong proximity-induced pairing in the Fermi arcs manifests itself as a flat conductance plateau in the differential conductance spectra. The presence of non-dissipative surface currents was confirmed by the spatial image of supercurrents resolved from the Fraunhofer pattern formed under superconducting quantum interference.
Spin-orbit-coupling induced valley Hall effects in transition-metal dichalcogenides
Spin-orbit-coupling induced valley Hall effects in transition-metal dichalcogenides
Benjamin T. Zhou*, Katsuhisa Taguchi*, Yuki Kawaguchi, Yukio Tanaka, K. T. Law
In collaboration with Prof. Yukio Tanaka's group at Nagoya University, we proposed that the unique combination of intrinsic Ising spin-orbit couplings (SOCs) and Rashba SOCs (induced by external gating or built-in structural asymmetry) leads to novel spin-type valley-contrasting Berry curvatures in TMDs. Different from the conventional Berry curvatures originating from the orbital degrees of freedom, the spin-type Berry curvature can be easily tuned by vertical electric fields, which provides a new scheme for electrical control of valleys in TMD materials.
In collaboration with Prof. Yukio Tanaka's group at Nagoya University, we proposed that the unique combination of intrinsic Ising spin-orbit couplings (SOCs) and Rashba SOCs (induced by external gating or built-in structural asymmetry) leads to novel spin-type valley-contrasting Berry curvatures in TMDs. Different from the conventional Berry curvatures originating from the orbital degrees of freedom, the spin-type Berry curvature can be easily tuned by vertical electric fields, which provides a new scheme for electrical control of valleys in TMD materials.
Intrinsic valley Hall transport in atomically thin MoS2
Intrinsic valley Hall transport in atomically thin MoS2
Zefei Wu*, Benjamin T. Zhou*, Xiangbin Cai*, Gui-Bin Liu, Jiangxiazi Lin, Tianyi Han, Liheng An, Yuanwei Wang, Shuigang Xu, Gen Long, Chun Cheng, Kam Tuen Law, Fan Zhang, Ning Wang
In this collaborative work with Prof. Ning Wang's group at HKUST, we explained the observation of non-local charge transport over micron scales mediated by intrinsic valley Hall effects in atomically thin MoS2. This discovery marked an important step toward long-range electrical control of valley degrees of freedom in TMDs.
In this collaborative work with Prof. Ning Wang's group at HKUST, we explained the observation of non-local charge transport over micron scales mediated by intrinsic valley Hall effects in atomically thin MoS2. This discovery marked an important step toward long-range electrical control of valley degrees of freedom in TMDs.
Magnetic field driven nodal topological superconductivity in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides
Magnetic field driven nodal topological superconductivity in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides
Wen-Yu He, Benjamin T. Zhou, James J He, Noah FQ Yuan, Ting Zhang, K. T. Law
We proposed that an in-plane magnetic field can drive a monolayer Ising superconductor such as NbSe2 and TaS2 into a nodal topological superconductor in which Dirac nodes appear in the bulk quasi-particle spectrum where the Fermi surface intersects with mirror-invariant lines. The nontrivial bulk topology manifests itself in the presence of a large number of non-dispersive Majorana zero modes, called Majorana flat bands, along the edges of the system which connect Dirac nodes with opposite chiralities in the bulk spectrum. This work provided arguably the first material candidate for nodal topological superconductivity.
We proposed that an in-plane magnetic field can drive a monolayer Ising superconductor such as NbSe2 and TaS2 into a nodal topological superconductor in which Dirac nodes appear in the bulk quasi-particle spectrum where the Fermi surface intersects with mirror-invariant lines. The nontrivial bulk topology manifests itself in the presence of a large number of non-dispersive Majorana zero modes, called Majorana flat bands, along the edges of the system which connect Dirac nodes with opposite chiralities in the bulk spectrum. This work provided arguably the first material candidate for nodal topological superconductivity.
Ising superconductivity and Majorana fermions in transition-metal dichalcogenides
Ising superconductivity and Majorana fermions in transition-metal dichalcogenides
Benjamin T. Zhou, Noah FQ Yuan, Hong-Liang Jiang, K. T. Law
Since 2015, Ising superconductivity that withstands exceedingly high in-plane magnetic fields has been discovered experimentally in a family of atomically thin transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2, NbSe2 and TaS2. In this work, we made the first theoretical proposal that the unconventional Ising superconductor possesses equal-spin Cooper pairs with their spin magnetic moments aligned in in-plane directions, which reconciles the competition between spin magnetism and electron pairing that is commonly found in conventional superconductors. We discussed how these unconventional equal-spin Cooper pairs manifest themselves through spin-anisotropic Andreev reflections, and how they provide a viable route to Majorana fermions.
Since 2015, Ising superconductivity that withstands exceedingly high in-plane magnetic fields has been discovered experimentally in a family of atomically thin transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2, NbSe2 and TaS2. In this work, we made the first theoretical proposal that the unconventional Ising superconductor possesses equal-spin Cooper pairs with their spin magnetic moments aligned in in-plane directions, which reconciles the competition between spin magnetism and electron pairing that is commonly found in conventional superconductors. We discussed how these unconventional equal-spin Cooper pairs manifest themselves through spin-anisotropic Andreev reflections, and how they provide a viable route to Majorana fermions.
*: First co-author †: Corresponding author
*: First co-author †: Corresponding author
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