Edge states of a three-dimensional topological insulator

Deb, Oindrila and Soori, Abhiram and Sen, Diptiman (2014) Edge states of a three-dimensional topological insulator. In: JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER, 26 (31).

PDF jou_phy_con_mat_26-31_2014.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

We use the bulk Hamiltonian for a three-dimensional topological insulator such as Bi-2 Se-3 to study the states which appear on its various surfaces and along the edge between two surfaces. We use both analytical methods based on the surface Hamiltonians (which are derived from the bulk Hamiltonian) and numerical methods based on a lattice discretization of the bulk Hamiltonian. We find that the application of a potential barrier along an edge can give rise to states localized at that edge. These states have an unusual energy-momentum dispersion which can be controlled by applying a potential along the edge; in particular, the velocity of these states can be tuned to zero. The scattering and conductance across the edge is studied as a function of the edge potential. We show that a magnetic field in a particular direction can also give rise to zero energy states on certain edges. We point out possible experimental ways of looking for the various edge states.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER
Additional Information:	Copy right for this article belongs to the IOP PUBLISHING LTD, TEMPLE CIRCUS, TEMPLE WAY, BRISTOL BS1 6BE, ENGLAND
Department/Centre:	Division of Physical & Mathematical Sciences > Centre for High Energy Physics
Date Deposited:	18 Sep 2014 09:10
Last Modified:	18 Sep 2014 09:10
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/49896

Actions (login required)

View Item