Topological materials outperform through quantum periodic motion

While the differences in the behavior of these surface electrons is what makes these materials so promising for technological applications, it also presents a challenge: uncontrolled interactions between surface electrons and the bulk material states can cause electrons to scatter out of order, leading to so-called "topological breakdown." They are not protected by any "spontaneous" symmetry.

"Topological insulators that can sustain a persistent spin-locked current on their surfaces which does not decay are termed 'symmetry protected,' and that state is compelling for multiple revolutionary device concepts in quantum computing and spintronics," said Jigang Wang, Ames Laboratory physicist and Iowa State University professor.

In a similar manner, additional dynamic stabilization can be achieved by driving quantum periodic motions of the lattice.

"We demonstrate the dynamic stabilization in topological matter as a new universal tuning knob, that can be used to reinforce protected quantum transport," said Wang, who believes the discovery has far-reaching consequences for the use of these materials to many scientific and technological disciplines, such as disorder-tolerant quantum information and communications applications and spin-based, lightwave quantum electronics.

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Materials provided by DOE/Ames Laboratory.