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Spontaneous Breakdown of Topological Protection in Two Dimensions

Jianhui Wang, Yigal Meir, and Yuval Gefen
Phys. Rev. Lett. 118, 046801 – Published 26 January 2017
Physics logo See Synopsis: The Trouble with Smooth Edges
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Abstract

Because of time-reversal symmetry, two-dimensional topological insulators support counterpropagating helical edge modes. Here we show that, unlike the infinitely sharp edge potential utilized in traditional calculations, an experimentally more realistic smooth edge potential gives rise to edge reconstruction and, consequently, spontaneous time-reversal symmetry breaking. Such edge reconstruction may lead to breaking of the expected perfect conductance quantization, to a finite Hall resistance at zero magnetic field, and to a spin current. This calculation underpins the fragility of the topological protection in realistic systems, which is of crucial importance in proposed applications.

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  • Received 29 September 2016

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.046801

© 2017 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Condensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

Synopsis

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The Trouble with Smooth Edges

Published 26 January 2017

A topological insulator with beveled, as opposed to sharp, edges might lose the attributes that make it attractive for applications.

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Authors & Affiliations

Jianhui Wang1, Yigal Meir1,2, and Yuval Gefen3

  • 1Department of Physics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
  • 2Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
  • 3Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel

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Issue

Vol. 118, Iss. 4 — 27 January 2017

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