Miniband engineering and topological phase transitions in topological-insulator–normal-insulator superlattices

G. Krizman, B. A. Assaf, G. Bauer, G. Springholz, L. A. de Vaulchier, and Y. Guldner
Phys. Rev. B 103, 235302 – Published 3 June 2021
PDFHTMLExport Citation

Abstract

Periodic stacking of topologically trivial and nontrivial layers with opposite symmetry of the valence and conduction bands induces topological interface states that, in the strong coupling limit, hybridize both across the topological and normal insulator layers. Using band structure engineering, such superlattices (SLs) can be effectively realized using the IV–VI lead tin chalcogenides. This leads to emergent minibands with a tunable topology, as demonstrated both by theory and experiments. The topological minibands are proven by magneto-optical spectroscopy, revealing Landau level transitions both at the center and edges of the artificial SL mini-Brillouin zone. Their topological character is identified by the topological phase transitions within the minibands observed as a function of temperature. The critical temperature of this transition as well as the miniband gap and miniband width can be precisely controlled by the layer thicknesses and compositions. This witnesses the generation of a fully tunable quasi-three-dimensional topological state that provides a template for realization of magnetic Weyl semimetals and other strongly interacting topological phases.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 24 December 2020
  • Accepted 18 May 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.103.235302

©2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Condensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

Authors & Affiliations

G. Krizman1,2,*, B. A. Assaf3, G. Bauer2, G. Springholz2, L. A. de Vaulchier1, and Y. Guldner1

  • 1Laboratoire de Physique de l’Ecole normale supérieure, ENS, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005 Paris, France
  • 2Institut für Halbleiter und Festkörperphysik, Johannes Kepler Universität, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria
  • 3Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA

  • *gauthier.krizman@jku.at

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 103, Iss. 23 — 15 June 2021

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review B

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×