Projects per year
Abstract
Bismuth-chalchogenides are model examples of three-dimensional topological insulators. Their ideal bulk-truncated surface hosts a single spin-helical surface state, which is the simplest possible surface electronic structure allowed by their non-trivial Z(2) topology. However, real surfaces of such compounds, even if kept in ultra-high vacuum, rapidly develop a much more complex electronic structure whose origin and properties have proved controversial. Here we demonstrate that a conceptually simple model, implementing a semi-conductor-like band bending in a parameter-free tight-binding supercell calculation, can quantitatively explain the entire measured hierarchy of electronic states. In combination with circular dichroism in angle-resolved photoemission experiments, we further uncover a rich three-dimensional spin texture of this surface electronic system, resulting from the non-trivial topology of the bulk band structure. Moreover, our study sheds new light on the surface-bulk connectivity in topological insulators, and reveals how this is modified by quantum confinement.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1159 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Nature Communications |
Volume | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2012 |
Keywords
- LOCALIZED WANNIER FUNCTIONS
- 2-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRON-GAS
- SINGLE DIRAC CONE
- BI2SE3
- BI2TE3
- PHASE
- SPECTROSCOPY
- STATES
- BITEI
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Dive into the research topics of 'Emergent quantum confinement at topological insulator surfaces'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Fellowship - Unspent EPSRC Balance: Fellowship - Unspent Funds
King, P. (PI)
1/10/11 → 31/03/12
Project: Fellowship
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Topological Protection and NonEquilibriu: Topological Protection and NonEquilibrium States in Strongly Correlated Electron Systems
Wahl, P. (PI), Baumberger, F. (CoI), Davis, J. C. (CoI), Green, A. (CoI), Hooley, C. (CoI), Keeling, J. M. J. (CoI) & Mackenzie, A. (CoI)
1/09/11 → 31/08/17
Project: Standard