Dirac fermions and domain wall defects in 2 + 1 dimensions

Abstract We investigate some properties of a system of Dirac fermions in 2 + 1 dimensions, with a space-dependent mass having domain wall like defects. These defects are defined by the loci of the points where the mass changes sign. In general, they will be curves lying on the spatial plane. We show how to treat the dynamics of the fermions in such a way that the existence of localized fermionic zero-modes on the defects is transparent. Moreover, effects due to the higher, no-zeromodes, can be quantitatively studied. We also consider the relevance of the profile of the mass near the region where it changes sign. Finally, we apply our general results to the calculation of the induced fermionic current, in the linear response approximation, in the presence of an external electric field and defects.