Theoretical analysis demonstrates how quantum capacitance maps boundary states in topological phases, indicating that the bulk remains non-uniformly incompressible during quantization.
Key Points
Examine the theoretical connection between quantum capacitance, integer quantum Hall effects, and Z2 topological insulators as an electrostatic probe of boundary density of states.
Analyzed single-particle band topology spanning integer quantum Hall states with Chern invariants and time-reversal-invariant Z2 topological insulators.
Evaluated quantum capacitance formulation and local impedance measurements against self-consistent electrostatic screening models.
Quantum capacitance effectively maps boundary Dirac and Landau-level density of states while remaining strictly insensitive to the global topological invariant.
Self-consistent screening demonstrates that the bulk dynamically divides into compressible and incompressible regions, showing that the bulk is not uniformly insulating even during Hall plateau quantization.