Quantum Interference in Macroscopic Crystals of Nonmetallic Bi₂Se₃

Author

Joseph G. Checkelsky
Yew San Hor, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Ming Liu
Dongxia Qu
Robert Joseph Cava
Naiphuan Ong

Abstract

Photoemission experiments have shown that Bi₂Se₃ is a topological insulator. By controlled doping, we have obtained crystals of Bi₂Se₃ with nonmetallic conduction. At low temperatures, we uncover a novel type of magnetofingerprint signal which involves the spin degrees of freedom. Given the mm-sized crystals, the observed amplitude is 200-500x larger than expected from universal conductance fluctuations. The results point to very long phase-breaking lengths in an unusual conductance channel in these nonmetallic samples. We discuss the nature of the in-gap conducting states and their relation to the topological surface states.

Recommended Citation

J. G. Checkelsky et al., "Quantum Interference in Macroscopic Crystals of Nonmetallic Bi₂Se₃," Physical Review Letters, vol. 103, no. 24, American Physical Society (APS), Dec 2009.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.246601

Department(s)

Physics

Keywords and Phrases

Breaking Length; Conductance Channels; Conducting State; Low Temperatures; Quantum Interference; Spin Degrees Of Freedom; Surface State; Universal Conductance Fluctuations; Crystals

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0031-9007

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Final Version

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2009 American Physical Society (APS), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Dec 2009