Symmetry-constrained reorganization of Dirac cones in topological insulators by surface modification

Guang Bian, Xiaoxiong Wang, Yang Liu, T. Miller, T. C. Chiang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Topological insulators possess a symmetry-protected surface spin current, a property highly relevant to spintronics applications. This current arises from gapless spin-polarized surface states. Calculations show that these states can undergo drastic transformations with surface treatment, despite the overall symmetry-based constraints. Specifically, the single Dirac cone at the zone center for the surface states in Bi 2Se 3 (Bi 2Te 3) is transformed, upon hydrogen termination, into three Dirac cones at the zone boundary. This trifurcation enhances the surface spin polarization, but leaves the overall topological order invariant.

Original languageEnglish
Article number235414
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume84
Issue number23
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2011
Externally publishedYes

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