Supersymmetric Runge-Lenz-Pauli vector for Dirac vortex in topological insulators and graphene

The Dirac mass-vortex at the surface of a topological insulator or in graphene is considered. Within the linear approximation for the vortex amplitude's radial dependence, the spectrum is a series of degenerate bound states, which can be classified by a set of accidental SU(2) and supersymmetry generators (Herbut and Lu 2011 Phys. Rev. B 83 125412). Here we discuss further the properties and manifestations of the supersymmetry of the vortex Hamiltonian, and point out some interesting analogies with the Runge-Lenz-Pauli vector in the non-relativistic hydrogen atom. Symmetry-breaking effects due to a finite chemical potential and the Zeeman field are also analyzed. We find that a residual accidental degeneracy remains only in the special case of equal magnitudes of both terms; otherwise it is removed entirely.