Fractionalization in a square-lattice model with time-reversal symmetry

We propose a two-dimensional time-reversal invariant system of essentially noninteracting electrons on a square lattice that exhibits configurations with fractional charges ±e∕2. These are vortexlike topological defects in the dimerization order parameter describing spatial modulation in the electron hopping amplitudes. Charge fractionalization is established by a simple counting argument, analytical calculation within the effective low-energy theory, and by an exact numerical diagonalization of the lattice Hamiltonian. We comment on the exchange statistics of fractional charges and possible realizations of the system.