A finite flux of the (time-reversal-symmetric) pseudomagnetic field, which would represent the effect of a bulge in the graphene sheet, for example, is shown to be a catalyst for spontaneous breaking of the time-reversal symmetry of Dirac fermions in two dimensions. Possible experimental consequences of this effect for graphene are discussed.

• Received 29 October 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.78.205433