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Effective lifting of the topological protection of quantum spin Hall edge states by edge coupling

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  • R. Stühler

    (Physikalisches Institut and Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, Universität Würzburg)

  • A. Kowalewski

    (Physikalisches Institut and Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, Universität Würzburg)

  • F. Reis

    (Physikalisches Institut and Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, Universität Würzburg)

  • D. Jungblut

    (Institut für Theoretische Physik und Astrophysik and Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, Universität Würzburg)

  • F. Dominguez

    (Institut für Theoretische Physik und Astrophysik and Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, Universität Würzburg
    Institute for Mathematical Physics, TU Braunschweig)

  • B. Scharf

    (Institut für Theoretische Physik und Astrophysik and Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, Universität Würzburg)

  • G. Li

    (Institut für Theoretische Physik und Astrophysik and Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, Universität Würzburg
    ShanghaiTech University
    ShanghaiTech Laboratory for Topological Physics)

  • J. Schäfer

    (Physikalisches Institut and Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, Universität Würzburg)

  • E. M. Hankiewicz

    (Institut für Theoretische Physik und Astrophysik and Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, Universität Würzburg)

  • R. Claessen

    (Physikalisches Institut and Würzburg-Dresden Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, Universität Würzburg)

Abstract

The scientific interest in two-dimensional topological insulators (2D TIs) is currently shifting from a more fundamental perspective to the exploration and design of novel functionalities. Key concepts for the use of 2D TIs in spintronics are based on the topological protection and spin-momentum locking of their helical edge states. In this study we present experimental evidence that topological protection can be (partially) lifted by pairwise coupling of 2D TI edges in close proximity. Using direct wave function mapping via scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) we compare isolated and coupled topological edges in the 2D TI bismuthene. The latter situation is realized by natural lattice line defects and reveals distinct quasi-particle interference (QPI) patterns, identified as electronic Fabry-Pérot resonator modes. In contrast, free edges show no sign of any single-particle backscattering. These results pave the way for novel device concepts based on active control of topological protection through inter-edge hybridization for, e.g., electronic Fabry-Pérot interferometry.

Suggested Citation

  • R. Stühler & A. Kowalewski & F. Reis & D. Jungblut & F. Dominguez & B. Scharf & G. Li & J. Schäfer & E. M. Hankiewicz & R. Claessen, 2022. "Effective lifting of the topological protection of quantum spin Hall edge states by edge coupling," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-30996-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30996-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jungpil Seo & Pedram Roushan & Haim Beidenkopf & Y. S. Hor & R. J. Cava & Ali Yazdani, 2010. "Transmission of topological surface states through surface barriers," Nature, Nature, vol. 466(7304), pages 343-346, July.
    2. Wenjie Liang & Marc Bockrath & Dolores Bozovic & Jason H. Hafner & M. Tinkham & Hongkun Park, 2001. "Fabry - Perot interference in a nanotube electron waveguide," Nature, Nature, vol. 411(6838), pages 665-669, June.
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