Relativistic quantum dynamics on a double cone

Abstract

In this paper, we study the relativistic quantum problem of a particle constrained to a double cone surface. For this purpose, we build the Dirac equation in a curved space using the tetrads formalism. Two cases are analysed. First, we consider a free particle on the conical surface, and then we add an uniform magnetic field. In the first case, the exact energy spectrum is obtained and its non-relativistic limit compared to previously published results. In the second case, the spectrum is also exactly obtained and a detailed analysis considering all possible combinations of signs of the quantum numbers reveals the occurrence of highly degenerate zero energy modes. The results obtained here can be applied, for instance, in the investigation of the electronic and transport properties of condensed matter systems that can be described by an effective Dirac equation, such as graphene and topological insulators.