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Structurally Driven, Reversible Topological Phase Transition in a Distorted Square Net Material
Xian P Yang1, Chia-Hsiu Hsu2,3, Gokul Acharya4
1Princeton University, Laboratory for Topological Quantum Matter and Advanced Spectroscopy (B7), Department of Physics, Princeton, New Jersey, USA.
Researchers achieved a controllable topological phase transition in GdPS using potassium dosing. This structural manipulation in the subsurface P layer opens new avenues for exploring topological states in materials.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Phenomena
Background:
- Topological materials offer potential for exotic quantum phenomena.
- Controlling topological phase transitions in these materials is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a structurally driven, reversible topological phase transition in GdPS.
- To investigate the role of in-situ potassium dosing in inducing these transitions.
Main Methods:
- Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES)
- First-principles calculations
- In-situ potassium dosing
Main Results:
- A cascade of topological phases was observed in the subsurface P layer of GdPS.
- Transitions occurred from a trivial band gap to a gapless Dirac cone state (2 eV dispersion), and to a 2D topological insulator.
- Structural distortions in the P layer, induced by potassium adsorption, drove the band gap closure and phase transitions.
Conclusions:
- Structural manipulation via potassium dosing enables control over topological phase transitions in GdPS.
- This work provides a novel route for exploring and controlling topological states within bulk materials.
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