Topological Insulators

 

 

Topological insulators (TI) are a new class of quantum materials that possess topologically protected metallic surface states, while the bulk is insulating. 3D Topological materials (Bi2Se3, Bi2Te3, BSTS) are the recent additions, where the surface states are helical and protected from back-scattering by time-reversal symmetry. Consequently, they provide the unique framework to study interesting physics such as spin polarized transport on the surfaces. The conduction electrons on these surface states of TIs behave as Dirac fermions with spin-momentum locking. Recently, the spin polarization on the surface states of TIs has been probed by photo electron experiments up to room temperature. The aim of this research project is the electrical detection and tunability of spin polarization on the surface of 3D topological insulators.