Experimental Realization of a Three-Dimensional Topological Insulator, Bi <sub>2</sub> Te <sub>3</sub>

20093,520 citationsJournal Article

Authors

Y. L. Chen · Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

James G. Analytis · SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Jiun‐Haw Chu · SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Z. K. Liu · Stanford University

Sung‐Kwan Mo · Stanford University

Xiang Qi · Stanford University

Haijun Zhang ·

Abstract

Three-dimensional topological insulators are a new state of quantum matter with a bulk gap and odd number of relativistic Dirac fermions on the surface. By investigating the surface state of Bi2Te3 with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the surface state consists of a single nondegenerate Dirac cone. Furthermore, with appropriate hole doping, the Fermi level can be tuned to intersect only the surface states, indicating a full energy gap for the bulk states. Our results establish that Bi2Te3 is a simple model system for the three-dimensional topological insulator with a single Dirac cone on the surface. The large bulk gap of Bi2Te3 also points to promising potential for high-temperature spintronics applications.

Topics & Keywords

Topological Materials and Phenomena Graphene research and applications 2D Materials and Applications

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable cities and communities

Publication Details

Published in: Science

Volume 325, Issue 5937, pp. 178-181

DOI: 10.1126/science.1173034

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 142.62