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Geodesic scattering by surface deformations of a topological insulator

J. P. Dahlhaus, C.-Y. Hou, A. R. Akhmerov, and C. W. J. Beenakker
Phys. Rev. B 82, 085312 – Published 12 August 2010
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Abstract

We consider the classical ballistic dynamics of massless electrons on the conducting surface of a three-dimensional topological insulator, influenced by random variations in the surface height. By solving the geodesic equation and the Boltzmann equation in the limit of shallow deformations, we obtain the scattering cross section and the conductivity σ, for arbitrary anisotropic dispersion relation. At large surface electron densities n this geodesic scattering mechanism (with σn) is more effective at limiting the surface conductivity than electrostatic potential scattering.

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  • Received 8 July 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.82.085312

©2010 American Physical Society

Synopsis

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A bumpy road

Published 3 September 2010

Analog of gravitational lensing on the surface of a topological insulator.

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Authors & Affiliations

J. P. Dahlhaus, C.-Y. Hou, A. R. Akhmerov, and C. W. J. Beenakker

  • Instituut-Lorentz, Universiteit Leiden, P.O. Box 9506, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands

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Issue

Vol. 82, Iss. 8 — 15 August 2010

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