Atomic-resolution spectroscopic imaging of non-centrosymmetric topological insulators

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24684022
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Condensed matter physics I
• Research Institution: The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: KOHSAKA Yuhki 独立行政法人理化学研究所, 創発物性科学研究センター, 上級研究員 (80455344)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 走査トンネル顕微鏡 / Rashba効果 / トポロジカル絶縁体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To investigate electronic states where strong spin-orbit interaction plays an important role in non-centrosymmetric materials, we have performed spectroscopic-imaging scanning tunneling microscopy of a polar semiconductor BiTeI. We showed that ambipolar two-dimensional mobile carriers on the surface were induced by the spontaneous electric polarization in the bulk. Our study demonstrates a novel means to induce non-volatile and polarity-switchable two-dimensional carriers and indicates that the surfaces of polar materials are available to explore new phenomena and functionalities.

Free Research Field

物性物理