Observation of backscattering induced by magnetism in a topological edge state
Abstract
One of the predicted characteristics of helical topological boundary modes is the absence of backscattering when time-reversal symmetry (TRS) is preserved. While previous experiments have provided evidence for this topological protection, inducing backscattering by breaking TRS has yet to be demonstrated. We test this fundamental property by investigating quasiparticle scattering in the one-dimensional topological edge state of bismuth bilayers, coupled to ferromagnetic iron clusters, using a scanning tunneling microscope. Our experimental observations demonstrate that backscattering is induced by magnetism of iron clusters in these topological edge modes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jun 29, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.2005071117
Entities
People
- Ali Yazdani
- Andrei Bernevig
- Berthold Jäck
- Yonglong Xie
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- Division of Materials Research
- Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
- National Science Foundation Division of Mathematical Sciences
- Office of Naval Research
- Office of Science
- Princeton University