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Title: Tunable inverse topological heterostructure utilizing ( B i 1 - x I n x ) 2 S e 3 and multichannel weak-antilocalization effect

Journal Article · · Physical Review B

In typical topological insulator (TI) systems the TI is bordered by a non-TI insulator, and the surrounding conventional insulators, including vacuum, are not generally treated as part of the TI system. Here, we implement a material system where the roles are reversed, and the topological surface states form around the non-TI (instead of the TI) layers. This is realized by growing a layer of the tunable non-TI (Bi1-xInx)2Se3 in between two layers of the TI Bi2Se3 using the atomically precise molecular beam epitaxy technique. On this tunable inverse topological platform, we systematically vary the thickness and the composition of the (Bi1-xInx)2Se3 layer and show that this tunes the coupling between the TI layers from strongly coupled metallic to weakly coupled, and finally to a fully decoupled insulating regime. This system can be used to probe the fundamental nature of coupling in TI materials and provides a tunable insulating layer for TI devices.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC00112704; AC02-98CH10886
OSTI ID:
1248807
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1242588
Report Number(s):
BNL-112062-2016-JA; PRBMDO; R&D Project: MA015MACA; KC0201010
Journal Information:
Physical Review B, Vol. 93, Issue 12; ISSN 2469-9950
Publisher:
American Physical Society (APS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 20 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Cited By (6)

Dephasing in strongly anisotropic black phosphorus journal December 2016
Strain effects in topological insulators: Topological order and the emergence of switchable topological interface states in Sb 2 Te 3 / Bi 2 Te 3 heterojunctions journal May 2017
Intrinsic spin Hall conductivity in three-dimensional topological insulator/normal insulator heterostructures journal August 2017
A novel artificial condensed matter lattice and a new platform for one-dimensional topological phases journal March 2017
Topological Insulator Film Growth by Molecular Beam Epitaxy: A Review journal November 2016
A novel artificial condensed matter lattice and a new platform for one-dimensional topological phases text January 2017

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