REVIEW 2 major objections 1 minor 126 references
Long-range correlated disorder turns topological Anderson insulators non-self-averaging.
Reviewed by Pith at T0; open to challenge. T0 means a machine referee read the full paper against a public rubric. the ladder, T0–T4 →
T0 review · grok-4.3
2026-07-02 01:42 UTC pith:6MOI2Y2N
load-bearing objection Long-range correlated disorder may create a non-self-averaging topological Anderson insulator, but the evidence that relative variance of the Lyapunov exponent stays finite in the thermodynamic limit is not yet convincing. the 2 major comments →
Non-self-averaging topological Anderson insulator
The pith
A machine-rendered reading of the paper's core claim, the machinery that carries it, and where it could break.
Core claim
Long-range correlated disorder induces a statistical phase called the non-self-averaging topological Anderson insulator in which the topological properties of a single disordered sample deviate from the ensemble average. This non-self-averaging is identified by the relative variance of the Lyapunov exponent remaining finite and nonzero in the thermodynamic limit and by the persistence of non-Gaussian distributions of the Lyapunov exponent, producing a breakdown of the central limit theorem.
What carries the argument
The Lyapunov exponent and the statistics of its distribution over disorder realizations, which serve as the diagnostic for whether topological properties self-average.
Load-bearing premise
That a nonzero relative variance of the Lyapunov exponent in the thermodynamic limit is sufficient to establish that topological properties fail to self-average.
What would settle it
A numerical computation in which the relative variance of the Lyapunov exponent is shown to decay to zero with increasing system size for a long-range correlated disorder potential.
If this is right
- The phase diagram of the topological Anderson insulator becomes dependent on the specific disorder configuration rather than universal.
- Topological invariants or edge-state signatures measured on one sample need not match those predicted by ensemble averages.
- The central limit theorem ceases to apply to the Lyapunov exponent statistics.
- Non-Gaussian distributions of the Lyapunov exponent survive in the large-system limit.
Where Pith is reading between the lines
- Experimental studies may have to record the actual spatial pattern of disorder in each device rather than relying on statistical averages.
- Similar non-self-averaging behavior could appear in other topological phases once long-range correlations are present.
- Standard many-body or field-theoretic approaches that assume self-averaging may require reformulation for this class of systems.
Editorial analysis
A structured set of objections, weighed in public.
Referee Report
Summary. The manuscript claims that long-range correlated disorder induces a non-self-averaging topological Anderson insulator phase in which the topological Anderson states exhibit configuration-dependent behavior. This is identified by a relative variance of the Lyapunov exponent that remains finite and non-vanishing in the thermodynamic limit together with persistent non-Gaussian distributions of the Lyapunov exponent, violating self-averaging and the central limit theorem.
Significance. If the non-vanishing thermodynamic-limit variance is rigorously demonstrated, the result would be significant for the field of disordered topological systems by showing that long-range correlations can produce a statistical phase outside the usual self-averaging regime, with direct implications for the reliability of ensemble-averaged topological invariants.
major comments (2)
- [Abstract] Abstract and the section presenting the Lyapunov-exponent statistics: the central claim that the relative variance remains finite and non-vanishing as L→∞ is not supported by any explicit thermodynamic-limit extrapolation, finite-size scaling collapse, or analytic argument; the reported finite values at accessible system sizes could be a transient slow decay induced by the long-range correlations rather than true saturation.
- [Abstract] The definition of the non-self-averaging topological Anderson insulator phase rests entirely on the non-vanishing relative variance and non-Gaussianity; without data for multiple large L or a scaling analysis demonstrating that the variance does not ultimately decay to zero, the load-bearing distinction between this phase and conventional topological Anderson insulators remains unestablished.
minor comments (1)
- [Abstract] The abstract supplies no information on the model Hamiltonian, the precise form of the long-range correlated disorder, the numerical method used to extract the Lyapunov exponent, or the range of system sizes studied.
Simulated Author's Rebuttal
We thank the referee for the detailed reading and for highlighting the need for stronger evidence on the thermodynamic-limit behavior of the relative variance. The comments correctly identify that our current presentation relies on observed saturation at accessible sizes without explicit extrapolation or scaling collapse. We address each point below and will revise the manuscript to incorporate additional analysis.
read point-by-point responses
-
Referee: [Abstract] Abstract and the section presenting the Lyapunov-exponent statistics: the central claim that the relative variance remains finite and non-vanishing as L→∞ is not supported by any explicit thermodynamic-limit extrapolation, finite-size scaling collapse, or analytic argument; the reported finite values at accessible system sizes could be a transient slow decay induced by the long-range correlations rather than true saturation.
Authors: We agree that an explicit extrapolation or scaling collapse would provide more rigorous support. The manuscript presents data showing the relative variance stabilizing at finite non-zero values over the range of system sizes studied, with no visible decay trend. However, to strengthen the claim against the possibility of slow transients due to long-range correlations, we will add finite-size scaling analysis and data for additional larger L in the revised version. This will include plots demonstrating saturation and, if feasible, an attempt at data collapse. revision: yes
-
Referee: [Abstract] The definition of the non-self-averaging topological Anderson insulator phase rests entirely on the non-vanishing relative variance and non-Gaussianity; without data for multiple large L or a scaling analysis demonstrating that the variance does not ultimately decay to zero, the load-bearing distinction between this phase and conventional topological Anderson insulators remains unestablished.
Authors: We acknowledge that the phase distinction hinges on establishing non-vanishing variance in the thermodynamic limit. The current evidence consists of persistent finite relative variance and non-Gaussian distributions at the largest accessible sizes, which we interpret as indicating a distinct statistical phase. To address the concern directly, the revised manuscript will include the requested scaling analysis and larger-system data to better substantiate the distinction from conventional self-averaging topological Anderson insulators. revision: yes
Circularity Check
No circularity; statistical claim is observational, not self-referential
full rationale
The paper identifies non-self-averaging via the relative variance of the Lyapunov exponent remaining finite as L→∞ together with non-Gaussianity. This is framed as a numerically observed consequence of long-range correlated disorder rather than a quantity fitted to or defined in terms of itself. No equations reduce a prediction to an input parameter by construction, no self-citation chain bears the central claim, and no ansatz is smuggled in. The derivation is therefore self-contained as an empirical demonstration of an anomalous statistical feature.
Axiom & Free-Parameter Ledger
read the original abstract
Current research on the disordered topological quantum phases primarily focuses on the uncorrelated and short-range correlated disorder regime. These topological Anderson insulators are typically self-averaging. However, topological quantum systems with long-range correlated disorder have received limited attention due to the absence of tractable analytical methods. In fact, the long-range correlated disorder introduces more complex effects on topological quantum states. Here, we demonstrate that the long-range correlated disorder could induce anomalously statistical feature where the topological Anderson states become non-self-averaging, and the phase diagram is strongly dependent on individual disorder configurations. We term this statistical phase the non-self-averaging topological Anderson insulator. The non-self-averaging property is identified by the non-vanishing finite values of the relative variance of the Lyapunov exponent in the thermodynamic limit, alongside the non-Gaussian distributions of the Lyapunov exponent. Consequently, the topological properties of a single disordered sample deviate from the ensemble average, causing a breakdown of the central limit theorem. The non-self-averaging topological Anderson insulator provides insights into the interplay between correlated disorder and topology.
Figures
Reference graph
Works this paper leans on
-
[1]
are inadequate to characterize the long-range correla- tion behaviors, and propose using the geometric average and geometric relative variance instead[104, 121]. How- ever, our numerical calculations demonstrate that the ge- ometric average and geometric relative variance of Lya- punov exponent also exhibit similar smooth crossover be- haviors of topologi...
-
[2]
B. A. Bernevig and T. L. Hughes,Topological Insulators and Topological Superconductors(Princeton University Press, 2013)
work page 2013
-
[3]
J. K. Asb´ oth, L. Oroszl´ any, and A. P´ alyi,A Short Course on Topological Insulators(Springer, 2016)
work page 2016
-
[4]
Wen, Colloquium: Zoo of quantum-topological phases of matter, Rev
X.-G. Wen, Colloquium: Zoo of quantum-topological phases of matter, Rev. Mod. Phys.89, 041004 (2017)
work page 2017
-
[5]
E. J. Bergholtz, J. C. Budich, and F. K. Kunst, Excep- tional topology of non-Hermitian systems, Rev. Mod. Phys.93, 015005 (2021)
work page 2021
-
[6]
R. Moessner and J. E. Moore,Topological Phases of Matter(Cambridge University Press, 2021)
work page 2021
-
[7]
K. v. Klitzing, G. Dorda, and M. Pepper, New method for high-accuracy determination of the fine-structure constant based on quantized Hall resistance, Phys. Rev. Lett.45, 494 (1980)
work page 1980
-
[8]
D. C. Tsui, H. L. Stormer, and A. C. Gossard, Two- dimensional magnetotransport in the extreme quantum limit, Phys. Rev. Lett.48, 1559 (1982)
work page 1982
-
[9]
C. L. Kane and E. J. Mele, Quantum spin Hall effect in graphene, Phys. Rev. Lett.95, 226801 (2005)
work page 2005
-
[10]
C. L. Kane and E. J. Mele,Z 2 topological order and the quantum spin Hall effect, Phys. Rev. Lett.95, 146802 (2005)
work page 2005
-
[11]
B. A. Bernevig and S.-C. Zhang, Quantum spin Hall effect, Phys. Rev. Lett.96, 106802 (2006)
work page 2006
-
[12]
B. A. Bernevig, T. L. Hughes, and S.-C. Zhang, Quan- tum spin Hall effect and topological phase transition in hgte quantum wells, Science314, 1757 (2006)
work page 2006
-
[13]
H. C. Po, A. Vishwanath, and H. Watanabe, Symmetry- based indicators of band topology in the 230 space groups, Nat. Commun.8, 50 (2017)
work page 2017
-
[14]
J. Kruthoff, J. de Boer, J. van Wezel, C. L. Kane, and R.-J. Slager, Topological classification of crystalline in- sulators through band structure combinatorics, Phys. Rev. X7, 041069 (2017)
work page 2017
-
[15]
H. Watanabe, H. C. Po, and A. Vishwanath, Structure and topology of band structures in the 1651 magnetic space groups, Sci. Adv.4, eaat8685 (2018)
work page 2018
-
[16]
B. Bradlyn, L. Elcoro, J. Cano, M. G. Vergniory, Z. Wang, C. Felser, M. I. Aroyo, and B. A. Bernevig, Topological quantum chemistry, Nature547, 298 (2017)
work page 2017
- [17]
-
[18]
Z. Xiao, J. Zhao, Y. Li, R. Shindou, and Z.-D. Song, Spin space groups: Full classification and applications, Phys. Rev. X14, 031037 (2024)
work page 2024
-
[19]
X. Chen, J. Ren, Y. Zhu, Y. Yu, A. Zhang, P. Liu, J. Li, Y. Liu, C. Li, and Q. Liu, Enumeration and represen- tation theory of spin space groups, Phys. Rev. X14, 031038 (2024)
work page 2024
- [20]
-
[21]
X. Chen, Y. Liu, P. Liu, Y. Yu, J. Ren, J. Li, A. Zhang, and Q. Liu, Unconventional magnons in collinear mag- nets dictated by spin space groups, Nature640, 349 (2025)
work page 2025
- [22]
-
[23]
C. W. Groth, M. Wimmer, A. R. Akhmerov, J. Tworzyd lo, and C. W. J. Beenakker, Theory of the topological Anderson insulator, Phys. Rev. Lett.103, 196805 (2009)
work page 2009
- [24]
-
[25]
H.-M. Guo, G. Rosenberg, G. Refael, and M. Franz, Topological Anderson insulator in three dimensions, Phys. Rev. Lett.105, 216601 (2010)
work page 2010
-
[26]
Y. Xing, L. Zhang, and J. Wang, Topological Anderson insulator phenomena, Phys. Rev. B84, 035110 (2011)
work page 2011
-
[27]
S. St¨ utzer, Y. Plotnik, Y. Lumer, P. Titum, N. H. Lind- ner, M. Segev, M. C. Rechtsman, and A. Szameit, Pho- tonic topological Anderson insulators, Nature560, 461 (2018)
work page 2018
-
[28]
G.-G. Liu, Y. Yang, X. Ren, H. Xue, X. Lin, Y.-H. Hu, H.-x. Sun, B. Peng, P. Zhou, Y. Chong, and B. Zhang, Topological Anderson insulator in disordered photonic crystals, Phys. Rev. Lett.125, 133603 (2020)
work page 2020
- [29]
-
[30]
J. Zhang, Z.-Q. Zhang, S.-g. Cheng, and H. Jiang, Topo- logical Anderson insulator via disorder-recovered aver- age symmetry, Phys. Rev. B106, 195304 (2022)
work page 2022
-
[31]
R. Chen, X.-X. Yi, and B. Zhou, Four-dimensional topo- logical Anderson insulator with an emergent second Chern number, Phys. Rev. B108, 085306 (2023)
work page 2023
- [32]
- [33]
- [34]
- [35]
-
[36]
R. S. K. Mong, J. H. Bardarson, and J. E. Moore, Quan- tum transport and two-parameter scaling at the surface of a weak topological insulator, Phys. Rev. Lett.108, 076804 (2012)
work page 2012
-
[37]
I. C. Fulga, B. van Heck, J. M. Edge, and A. R. Akhmerov, Statistical topological insulators, Phys. Rev. B89, 155424 (2014)
work page 2014
-
[38]
A. Y. Chaou, M. Moreno-Gonzalez, A. Altland, and P. W. Brouwer, Disordered topological crystalline phases, Phys. Rev. B112, 035167 (2025)
work page 2025
-
[39]
X. Chen, F.-J. Wang, Z. Bi, and Z.-D. Song, Intrinsic axion statistical topological insulator, Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 226601 (2025)
work page 2025
- [40]
-
[41]
J. Y. Lee, Y.-Z. You, and C. Xu, Symmetry protected topological phases under decoherence, Quantum9, 1607 (2025)
work page 2025
- [42]
- [43]
-
[44]
A. Antinucci, G. Galati, G. Rizi, and M. Serone, Sym- metries and topological operators, on average, SciPost Phys.15, 125 (2023)
work page 2023
- [45]
- [46]
-
[47]
Z. Xiao, K. Kawabata, X. Luo, T. Ohtsuki, and R. Shin- dou, Anisotropic topological Anderson transitions in chiral symmetry classes, Phys. Rev. Lett.131, 056301 (2023)
work page 2023
- [48]
-
[49]
P. Zhao, Z. Xiao, Y. Zhang, and R. Shindou, Topological effect on the Anderson transition in chiral symmetry classes, Phys. Rev. Lett.133, 226601 (2024)
work page 2024
- [50]
- [51]
-
[52]
J.-R. Lin, S. Wang, H. Li, and Z.-W. Zuo, Topological Anderson insulators by latent symmetry, Phys. Rev.B 113, 094201 (2026)
work page 2026
- [53]
-
[54]
G.-Q. Zhang, L.-Z. Tang, L. F. Quezada, S.-H. Dong, and D.-W. Zhang, Reentrant topological phases and spin density wave induced by 1D moir´ e potentials, Com- mun. Phys.8, 275 (2025)
work page 2025
-
[55]
C. Grindall, A. C. Tyner, A.-K. Wu, T. L. Hughes, and J. H. Pixley, Separate surface and bulk topological An- derson localization transitions in disordered axion insu- lators, Phys. Rev. Lett.135, 226601 (2025)
work page 2025
- [56]
-
[57]
D.-W. Zhang and L.-Z. Tang, Recent progress on disorder-induced topological phases, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter38, 253003 (2026)
work page 2026
-
[58]
A. Agarwala and V. B. Shenoy, Topological insulators in amorphous systems, Phys. Rev. Lett.118, 236402 (2017)
work page 2017
-
[59]
S. Mansha and Y. D. Chong, Robust edge states in amorphous gyromagnetic photonic lattices, Phys. Rev. B96, 121405(R) (2017)
work page 2017
-
[60]
N. P. Mitchell, L. M. Nash, D. Hexner, A. M. Turner, and W. T. M. Irvine, Amorphous topological insulators constructed from random point sets, Nat. Phys.14, 380 (2018)
work page 2018
-
[61]
K. P¨ oyh¨ onen, I. Sahlberg, A. Weststr¨ om, and T. Oja- nen, Amorphous topological superconductivity in a Shiba glass, Nat. Commun.9, 2103 (2018)
work page 2018
-
[62]
Y.-B. Yang, T. Qin, D.-L. Deng, L.-M. Duan, and Y. Xu, Topological amorphous metals, Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 076401 (2019)
work page 2019
-
[63]
B. Yang, H. Zhang, T. Wu, R. Dong, X. Yan, and X. Zhang, Topological states in amorphous magnetic photonic lattices, Phys. Rev. B99, 045307 (2019)
work page 2019
- [64]
-
[65]
Chern, Topological insulator in an atomic liquid, EPL126, 37002 (2019)
G.-W. Chern, Topological insulator in an atomic liquid, EPL126, 37002 (2019)
work page 2019
-
[66]
H. Huang, Y.-S. Wu, and F. Liu, Aperiodic topological crystalline insulators, Phys. Rev. B101, 041103 (2020)
work page 2020
- [67]
- [68]
-
[69]
I. Sahlberg, A. Weststr¨ om, K. P¨ oyh¨ onen, and T. Oja- nen, Topological phase transitions in glassy quantum matter, Phys. Rev. Res.2, 013053 (2020)
work page 2020
-
[70]
M. N. Ivaki, I. Sahlberg, and T. Ojanen, Criticality in amorphous topological matter: Beyond the universal scaling paradigm, Phys. Rev. Res.2, 043301 (2020)
work page 2020
-
[71]
P. Zhou, G.-G. Liu, X. Ren, Y. Yang, H. Xue, L. Bi, L. Deng, Y. Chong, and B. Zhang, Photonic amorphous topological insulator, Light Sci. Appl.9, 133 (2020)
work page 2020
- [72]
-
[73]
J.-H. Wang, Y.-B. Yang, N. Dai, and Y. Xu, Structural- disorder-induced second-order topological insulators in three dimensions, Phys. Rev. Lett.126, 206404 (2021)
work page 2021
- [74]
- [75]
-
[76]
C. Wang, T. Cheng, Z. Liu, F. Liu, and H. Huang, Struc- 8 tural amorphization-induced topological order, Phys. Rev. Lett.128, 056401 (2022)
work page 2022
- [77]
- [78]
-
[79]
D. Mu˜ noz Segovia, P. Corbae, D. Varjas, F. Hellman, S. M. Griffin, and A. G. Grushin, Structural spillage: An efficient method to identify noncrystalline topological materials, Phys. Rev. Res.5, L042011 (2023)
work page 2023
-
[80]
T. Peng, Y.-C. Xiong, C.-B. Hua, Z.-R. Liu, X. Zhu, W. Cao, F. Lv, Y. Hou, B. Zhou, Z. Wang, and R. Xiong, Structural disorder-induced topological phase transitions in quasicrystals, Phys. Rev. B109, 195301 (2024)
work page 2024
discussion (0)
Sign in with ORCID, Apple, or X to comment. Anyone can read and Pith papers without signing in.