Pressure induced topological and topological crystalline insulators

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Phenomena

Background:

• Topological and topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) are key research areas with significant fundamental and technological implications.
• Pressure-induced topological quantum phase transitions (TQPTs) offer a pathway to tune material properties.
• Recent studies show enhanced thermoelectric performance via pressure-induced TQPTs, highlighting societal relevance for green energy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of pressure-induced TQPTs from theoretical and experimental perspectives.
• To detail the mechanisms and signatures of these transitions in various materials.
• To explore future research directions for technological applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of theoretical models and experimental characterizations of pressure-induced TQPTs.
• Analysis of Raman spectroscopy as a tool for detecting topological transitions under pressure.
• Compilation of data on various classes of materials exhibiting pressure-induced topological phases.

Main Results:

• Pressure can transform topologically trivial materials into non-trivial topological or TCI states.
• TQPTs have been shown to significantly enhance thermoelectric properties.
• Chemical doping can often mimic pressure effects, enabling ambient condition applications.

Conclusions:

• Understanding pressure-induced TQPTs is crucial for optimizing material properties for technological applications, especially in energy harvesting.
• This review consolidates current knowledge and identifies future research avenues in this rapidly developing field.
• The findings pave the way for developing novel materials for efficient green energy solutions.