Hybridization effects on wave packet dynamics in topological insulator thin films

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Mechanics

Background:

• Topological insulators (TIs) possess unique electronic properties due to their surface states.
• Understanding electron dynamics in TI thin films is crucial for potential applications.
• Surface state hybridization significantly influences electronic behavior in confined TI systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate electron wave packet dynamics in topological insulator thin films.
• To analyze the impact of surface state hybridization on electron trajectories and spin dynamics.
• To explore the possibility of observing persistent zitterbewegung in TI thin films.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of electron wave packet motion in TI thin films.
• Analysis of real-space trajectories and spin dynamics.
• Investigation of the crossover regime from thick to thin films, considering hybridization effects.

Main Results:

• Electron wave packets exhibit both side-jump motion and zitterbewegung.
• Zitterbewegung oscillation frequency is tunable via hybridization strength, controlled by film thickness.
• Spin dynamics also display hybridization-tunable zitterbewegung, with potential for persistent oscillations.

Conclusions:

• Hybridization plays a key role in modulating electron wave packet dynamics in TI thin films.
• Persistent zitterbewegung is theoretically possible and may be experimentally accessible.
• Findings offer insights into controlling quantum phenomena in topological materials.