1. Topological phase transition in quasi-one-dimensional bismuth iodide Bi4I4
- Author
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W. X. Zhao, M. Yang, X. Du, Y. D. Li, K. Y. Zhai, Y. Q. Hu, J. F. Han, Y. Huang, Z. K. Liu, Y. G. Yao, J. C. Zhuang, Y. Du, J. J. Zhou, Y. L. Chen, and L. X. Yang
- Subjects
Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials ,TA401-492 ,Atomic physics. Constitution and properties of matter ,QC170-197 - Abstract
Abstract Quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) bismuth iodide Bi4I4 exhibits versatile topological phases of matter including weak topological insulator (WTI) and higher-order topological insulator (HOTI) phases with high tunability in response to external parameters. In this work, performing laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with submicron spatial resolution (micro-ARPES), we reveal the presence of an energy gap on the (100) surface of the low-temperature α-Bi4I4, providing spectroscopic evidence for the HOTI phase. Conversely, the high-temperature β-Bi4I4 harbors gapless Dirac fermions on the (100) surface alongside gapped states on the (001) surface, thereby establishing a WTI phase. By tracking the temperature evolution of the (100) surface states, we unveil a thermal hysteresis of the surface gap in line with the α-β structural phase transition. Our findings directly evidence a temperature-induced topological phase transition from WTI to HOTI in Bi4I4, which paves the way to its potential applications at room temperature.
- Published
- 2024
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