Topological insulators are materials whose bulk is electrically insulating, whereas their surfaces exhibit conducting states. There are two main classes: three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) material systems. The 2D topological insulators are expected to exhibit one dimensional dissipationless edge channels, while the 2D plane inside is insulating. Materials of special interest are: HgTe, Bi2Se3 Bi2Te3, Sb2Te3, Stanene, Heusler compounds, special oxides, and many others. |
![]() Schematic illustration of symmetry protected spin polarized edge states in 2-dimensional topological insulators. They are expected to exhibit dissipation less current. |
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