Dual Topological Character of Chalcogenides: Theory for Bi2Te3

T. Rauch, Markus Flieger, J. Henk, I. Mertig, Arthur Ernst

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A topological insulator is realized via band inversions driven by the spin-orbit interaction. In the case of Z(2) topological phases, the number of band inversions is odd and time-reversal invariance is a further unalterable ingredient. For topological crystalline insulators, the number of band inversions may be even but mirror symmetry is required. Here, we prove that the chalcogenide Bi2Te3 is a dual topological insulator: it is simultaneously in a Z(2) topological phase with Z(2) invariants (nu(0); nu(1)nu(2)nu(3)) = (1; 0 0 0) and in a topological crystalline phase with mirror Chern number -1. In our theoretical investigation we show in addition that the Z(2) phase can be broken by magnetism while keeping the topological crystalline phase. As a consequence, the Dirac state at the (111) surface is shifted off the time-reversal invariant momentum (Gamma) over bar; being protected by mirror symmetry, there is no band gap opening. Our observations provide theoretical groundwork for opening the research on magnetic control of topological phases in quantum devices.
Original languageEnglish
Article number016802
Pages (from-to)016802
Number of pages5
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume112
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014

Fields of science

  • 103 Physics, Astronomy

JKU Focus areas

  • Digital Transformation

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