Tunable Competing Electronic Orders in Double Quantum Spin Hall Superlattices

Competing superconducting (SC) and density-wave orders are of key importance in generating unconventional superconductivity and emergent electronic responses. Quasi-one-dimensional models provide insight into these competing orders and suggest higher-dimensional realizations through coupled-wire constructions, but analysis of such systems remains limited. Recent studies suggest that double-helical edge states in double quantum spin Hall insulators form a two-channel Luttinger liquid that exhibits SC and spin density wave (SDW) phases and their 𝜋-junction analogs. Here, we analyze weakly coupled double-helical edge states from the surface of a periodically stacked layered structure consisting of double quantum spin Hall insulators and dielectrics, where interedge interactions approximately develop a tunable helical sliding Luttinger liquid (HSLL) order. Using a renormalization-group analysis, we construct phase diagrams and identify a regime of HSLL parameters that favor competing two-dimensional 𝜋-SC and 𝜋-SDW orders. We identify parameter regimes where the competing orders could be realized experimentally in nanoscale devices. Our study suggests a promising materials platform for exploring tunable 𝜋-SC and 𝜋-SDW orders in double quantum spin Hall superlattices.

Recommended citation: Yi-Chun Hung, Chen-Hsuan Hsu, and Arun Bansil. Tunable Competing Electronic Orders in Double Quantum Spin Hall Superlattices. Phys. Rev. B 112, 195127 (2025).
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