Time-reversal invariant realization of the Weyl semimetal phase

Gábor B. Halász and Leon Balents
Phys. Rev. B 85, 035103 – Published 9 January 2012

Abstract

We propose a realization of the Weyl semimetal phase that is invariant under time reversal and occurs due to broken inversion symmetry. We consider both a simple superlattice model and a more realistic tight-binding model describing an experimentally reasonable HgTe/CdTe multilayer structure. The two models have the same underlying symmetry, therefore their low-energy features are equivalent. We find a Weyl semimetal phase between the normal insulator and the topological insulator phases that exists for a finite range of the system parameters and exhibits a finite number of Weyl points with robust band touching at the Fermi level. This phase is experimentally characterized by a strong conductivity anisotropy and topological surface states. The principal conductivities change in a complementary fashion as the system parameters are varied, and the surface states only exist in a region of momentum space that is determined by the positions of the Weyl points.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 26 September 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.85.035103

©2012 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Gábor B. Halász1,2 and Leon Balents1

  • 1Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
  • 2Trinity College, University of Cambridge, Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1TQ, United Kingdom

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 85, Iss. 3 — 15 January 2012

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review B

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×