15 January 2015
Metallic Surface State of Correlated Topological Insulator
SmB6 has been studied for a number of years and its observed behavior had presented investigators with a conflicting set of observations that resisted explanation until recently. The observation of quantum oscillations by Li et. al. in what is a bulk insulator confirm that SmB6 becomes a topological insulator at low temperatures. A topological insulator is a material that develops a unique quantum mechanical state on its surface, which allows electrons to flow in a fashion similar to a metal.
Details
- Research Area: Topological Matter
- Research Initiatives: Materials
- Facility / Program: DC Field
- Year: 2015