Transmission of topological surface states through surface barriers

Details Transmission of topological surface states through surface barriers Transmission of topological surface states through surface barriers

2010-07-14

arxiv.org/abs/1007.2445v1

Nature 466, Pages: 343-346, Date published: 15 July 2010

Physics

Condensed Matter

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics

Scientific paper

10.1038/nature09189

Topological surface states are a class of novel electronic states that are of potential interest in quantum computing or spintronic applications. Unlike conventional two-dimensional electron states, these surface states are expected to be immune to localization and to overcome barriers caused by material imperfection. Previous experiments have demonstrated that topological surface states do not backscatter between equal and opposite momentum states, owing to their chiral spin texture. However, so far there is no evidence that these states in fact transmit through naturally occurring surface defects. Here we use a scanning tunnelling microscope to measure the transmission and reflection probabilities of topological surface states of antimony through naturally occurring crystalline steps separating atomic terraces. In contrast to nontopological surface states of common metals (copper, silver and gold), which are either reflected or absorbed by atomic steps, we show that topological surface states of antimony penetrate such barriers with high probability. This demonstration of the extended nature of antimony's topological surface states suggests that such states may be useful for high current transmission even in the presence of atomic scale irregularities-an electronic feature sought to efficiently interconnect nanoscale devices.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Transmission of topological surface states through surface barriers 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 Transmission of topological surface states through surface barriers, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Transmission of topological surface states through surface barriers will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-597574