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Realization of a one-dimensional topological insulator in ultrathin germanene nanoribbons

Author

Listed:
  • Dennis J. Klaassen

    (University of Twente)

  • Lumen Eek

    (Utrecht University)

  • Alexander N. Rudenko

    (Radboud University Nijmegen)

  • Esra D. ’t Westende

    (University of Twente)

  • Carolien Castenmiller

    (University of Twente)

  • Zhiguo Zhang

    (University of Twente
    Fudan University)

  • Paul L. Boeij

    (University of Twente)

  • Arie Houselt

    (University of Twente)

  • Motohiko Ezawa

    (University of Tokyo)

  • Harold J. W. Zandvliet

    (University of Twente)

  • Cristiane Morais Smith

    (Utrecht University)

  • Pantelis Bampoulis

    (University of Twente)

Abstract

Realizing a one-dimensional (1D) topological insulator and identifying the lower-dimensional limit of two-dimensional (2D) behavior are crucial steps toward developing high-density quantum state networks, advancing topological quantum computing, and exploring dimensionality effects in topological materials. Although 2D topological insulators have been experimentally realized, their lower dimensional limit and 1D counterparts remain elusive. Here, we fabricated and characterized arrays of zigzag-terminated germanene nanoribbons, a 2D topological insulator with a large topological bulk gap. The electronic properties of these nanoribbons strongly depend on their width, with topological edge states persisting down to a critical width (∼2 nm), defining the limit of 2D topology. Below this threshold, contrary to the tenfold way classification, we observe zero-dimensional (0D) states localized at the ends of the ultrathin nanoribbons. These end states, topologically protected by time-reversal and mirror symmetries, indicate the realization of a 1D topological insulator with strong spin-orbit coupling. Our findings establish germanene nanoribbons as a platform for investigating 1D topology and dimensionality effects in topological materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Dennis J. Klaassen & Lumen Eek & Alexander N. Rudenko & Esra D. ’t Westende & Carolien Castenmiller & Zhiguo Zhang & Paul L. Boeij & Arie Houselt & Motohiko Ezawa & Harold J. W. Zandvliet & Cristiane , 2025. "Realization of a one-dimensional topological insulator in ultrathin germanene nanoribbons," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-7, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57147-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57147-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. W. Beugeling & E. Kalesaki & C. Delerue & Y.-M. Niquet & D. Vanmaekelbergh & C. Morais Smith, 2015. "Topological states in multi-orbital HgTe honeycomb lattices," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-7, May.
    2. Daniel J. Rizzo & Gregory Veber & Ting Cao & Christopher Bronner & Ting Chen & Fangzhou Zhao & Henry Rodriguez & Steven G. Louie & Michael F. Crommie & Felix R. Fischer, 2018. "Topological band engineering of graphene nanoribbons," Nature, Nature, vol. 560(7717), pages 204-208, August.
    3. Won-Jun Jang & Heeyoon Noh & Seoung-Hun Kang & Wonhee Ko & JiYeon Ku & Moon Jip Park & Hyo Won Kim, 2024. "Hierarchical zero- and one-dimensional topological states in symmetry-controllable grain boundary," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
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