Abstract
We compute the spin-active scattering matrix and the local spectrum at the interface between a metal and a three-dimensional topological band insulator. We show that there exists a critical incident angle at which complete (100%) spin-flip reflection occurs and the spin-rotation angle jumps by . We discuss the origin of this phenomena, and systematically study the dependence of spin-flip and spin-conserving scattering amplitudes on the interface transparency and metal Fermi-surface parameters. The interface spectrum contains a well-defined Dirac cone in the tunneling limit and smoothly evolves into a continuum of metal-induced gap states for good contacts. We also investigate the complex band structure of .
- Received 11 November 2010
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.82.205331
©2010 American Physical Society