Bi ₁Te ₁ is a dual topological insulator

Abstract

New three-dimensional (3D) topological phases can emerge in superlattices containing constituents of known two-dimensional topologies. Here we demonstrate that stoichiometric Bi ₁Te ₁, which is a natural superlattice of alternating two Bi ₂Te ₃ quintuple layers and one Bi bilayer, is a dual 3D topological insulator where a weak topological insulator phase and topological crystalline insulator phase appear simultaneously. By density functional theory, we find indices (0;001) and a non-zero mirror Chern number. We have synthesized Bi ₁Te ₁ by molecular beam epitaxy and found evidence for its topological crystalline and weak topological character by spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The dual topology opens the possibility to gap the differently protected metallic surface states on different surfaces independently by breaking the respective symmetries, for example, by magnetic field on one surface and by strain on another surface.

Abstract

Coexistence of a topological insulator phase and a topological crystalline insulator phase helps to maintain topological properties under a controlled symmetry breaking perturbation. Here, Eschback et al. report a superlattice of Bi and Bi ₂Te ₃ to be such a dual topological insulator.