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Quantum Spin Hall Effect and Topological Phase Transition in HgTe Quantum Wells

Journal Article · · Science
OSTI ID:973051

We show that the quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect, a state of matter with topological properties distinct from those of conventional insulators, can be realized in mercury telluride-cadmium telluride semiconductor quantum wells. When the thickness of the quantum well is varied, the electronic state changes from a normal to an 'inverted' type at a critical thickness d{sub c}. We show that this transition is a topological quantum phase transition between a conventional insulating phase and a phase exhibiting the QSH effect with a single pair of helical edge states. We also discuss methods for experimental detection of the QSH effect.

Research Organization:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76SF00515
OSTI ID:
973051
Report Number(s):
SLAC-REPRINT-2010-057
Journal Information:
Science, Journal Name: Science Journal Issue: 5806 Vol. 314; ISSN 0193-4511; ISSN SCEHDK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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