Physics – Condensed Matter – Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Scientific paper
2009-09-04
Physics
Condensed Matter
Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Updated from original (copy of earlier journal submission) to include references and context to latest published and posted ex
Scientific paper
The motion of a relativistic particle is linked to its spin by the Dirac equation. Remarkably, electrons in two-dimensional materials can mimic such Dirac particles but must always appear in pairs of opposite spin chirality. Using topological ideas of chiral boundary electrons wrapping a three-dimensional crystal with tuned spin-orbit coupling, we show that elusive unpaired Dirac fermions exist on the surface of a topological insulator parent matrix, pure antimony. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy we image coherent quantum interference between these particles, map their helical spin texture, and ultimately observe a transition to a single Dirac fermion distinguished by backscattering suppression via Berry phase interference. The robust dynamics of these unique spin-polarized carriers envisage future applications in spintronics and topological quantum computation.
Chen Yulin
Gomes Kenjiro K.
Ko Wonhee
Manoharan Hari C.
Mar Warren
No associations
LandOfFree
Quantum Imaging of Topologically Unpaired Spin-Polarized Dirac Fermions does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Quantum Imaging of Topologically Unpaired Spin-Polarized Dirac Fermions, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Quantum Imaging of Topologically Unpaired Spin-Polarized Dirac Fermions will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-36231