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Charge and spin transport on surfaces and atomic layers measured by multi-probe techniques
1School of Science, University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
Summary
Advances in measurement techniques and new materials enable the study of exotic surface and edge states, revealing phenomena like dissipation-less currents and pure spin currents in condensed matter physics.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Surface Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Emergent materials like topological insulators and 2D graphene exhibit unique surface and edge states.
- Broken symmetry and strong spin-orbit interactions drive novel electronic transport phenomena.
- In situ measurement techniques in ultra-high vacuum are crucial for studying these states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental techniques for probing surface and edge states.
- To highlight transport phenomena associated with these states.
- To underscore the importance of symmetry breaking in condensed matter physics.
Main Methods:
- Multi-probe electrical transport measurements at macroscopic and microscopic scales.
- In situ characterization in ultra-high vacuum environments.
- Utilizing advanced materials such as Rashba-type surfaces and topological insulators.
Main Results:
- Observation of dissipation-less currents, spin-polarized electric currents, and pure spin currents.
- Demonstration of symmetry breaking effects on surface and edge states.
- Correlation of transport phenomena with spin-orbit and electron-phonon interactions.
Conclusions:
- Surface and edge states offer a new frontier in condensed matter physics.
- Symmetry breaking at surfaces and atomic layers is key to understanding these phenomena.
- Experimental techniques are vital for uncovering these exotic transport properties.
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