Work

Quantum oscillations in a topological insulator Bi1−xSbx

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: We have studied transport and magnetic properties of ${\text{Bi}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Sb}}_{x}$, which is believed to be a topological insulator---a new state of matter where an insulating bulk supports an intrinsically metallic surface. In nominally insulating ${\text{Bi}}_{0.91}{\text{Sb}}_{0.09}$ crystals, we observed strong quantum oscillations of the magnetization and the resistivity originating from a Fermi surface which has a clear two-dimensional character. In addition, a three-dimensional Fermi surface is found to coexist, which is possibly due to an unusual coupling of the bulk to the surface. This finding demonstrates that quantum oscillations can be a powerful tool to directly probe the novel electronic states in topological insulators.

Source: Physical Review B

DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.80.085303

Authors: A. A. Taskin, Yoichi Ando

Institutions: The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, The University of Osaka, The University of Osaka

Language: English

Topic: Topological Materials and Phenomena

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Award: Study of surface magnetism by using high-efficient spin-polarized photoelectron spectroscopy