Dirac-Harper Theory for One Dimensional Moiré Superlattices

Abstract: We study a Dirac Harper model for moir\'e bilayer superlattices where layer antisymmetric strain periodically modulates the interlayer coupling between two honeycomb lattices in one spatial dimension. Discrete and continuum formulations of this model are analyzed. For sufficiently long moir\'e period the we find low energy spectra that host a manifold of weakly dispersive bands arising from a hierarchy of momentum and position dependent mass inversions. We analyze their charge distributions, mode count and valley-coherence using exact symmetries of the lattice model and approximate symmetries of a four-flavor version of the Jackiw-Rebbi one dimensional solution.