Journal Article

FZJ-2016-04328

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Two-dimensional topological crystalline insulator phase in quantum wells of trivial insulators

Niu, C. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Buhl, P.FZJ* ; Bihlmayer, G.FZJ* ; Wortmann, D.FZJ* ; Blügel, S.FZJ* ; Mokrousov, Y.FZJ*

2016
IOP Publ. Bristol

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1088/2053-1583/3/2/025037

Abstract: The realization of two-dimensional (2D) topological insulators (TIs) in HgTe/CdTe quantum wells (QWs) has generated an explosion of research on TIs and novel topologically nontrivial phases. Here we predict, based on first-principles calculations, that the newly discovered 2D topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) phase exists even in the QWs of trivial insulators, e.g. (Sn/Pb)Te and Na(Cl/Br), with mirror Chern number ${n}_{{\rm{M}}}=-2$. Tunable nontrivial energy gaps ranging from 4 to 238 meV are obtained, guaranteeing further room-temperature observations and applications. The combined effect of strain and electrostatic interaction that can be engineered by the cladding layers leads to a band inversion, resulting in the phase transition from trivial insulator to 2D TCIs. Our work provides a new strategy for engineering topological states in 2D materials.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (IAS-1)
2. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (PGI-1)
3. JARA-FIT (JARA-FIT)
4. JARA - HPC (JARA-HPC)

Research Program(s):

1. 142 - Controlling Spin-Based Phenomena (POF3-142) (POF3-142)
2. 143 - Controlling Configuration-Based Phenomena (POF3-143) (POF3-143)
3. Magnetic Anisotropy of Metallic Layered Systems and Nanostructures (jiff13_20131101) (jiff13_20131101)

Appears in the scientific report 2016

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Database coverage:
IF >= 5 ; JCR ; No Authors Fulltext ; SCOPUS

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