Abstract
To optimize the bulk-insulating behavior in the topological insulator materials having a tetradymite structure, we have synthesized and have characterized single-crystal samples of solid solution at various compositions. We have elucidated that there are a series of intrinsic compositions where the acceptors and donors compensate each other and present a maximal bulk-insulating behavior. At such compositions, the resistivity can become as large as several cm at low temperatures, and one can infer the role of the surface-transport channel in the nonlinear Hall effect. In particular, the composition of achieves the lowest bulk carrier density and appears to be best suited for surface-transport studies.
- Received 14 June 2011
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.165311
©2011 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Optimizing Topological Insulators
Published 6 October 2011
Tweaking the bulk properties of a topological insulator reveals the behavior of its surface states.
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