We discuss twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) based on a theorem of flat-band ferromagnetism put forward by Mielke and Tasaki. According to this theorem, ferromagnetism occurs if the single-particle density matrix of the flat-band states is irreducible and we argue that this result can be applied to the quasi-flat-bands of TBG that emerge around the charge-neutrality point for twist angles around the magic angle $\theta \sim 1.{05}^{\circ }$. We show that the density matrix is irreducible in this case, thus predicting a ferromagnetic ground state for neutral TBG ($n=0$). We then show that the theorem can also be applied only to the flat conduction or valence bands, if the substrate induces a single-particle gap at charge neutrality. Also in this case, the corresponding density matrix turns out to be irreducible, leading to ferromagnetism at half filling ($n=\pm 2$).

• Received 8 July 2020
• Revised 22 October 2020
• Accepted 10 November 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.102.235101