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A hybrid topological quantum state in an elemental solid

Publication available at: https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.04845
Title: A hybrid topological quantum state in an elemental solid
Authors: Hossain, MS
Schindler, F
Islam, R
Muhammad, Z
Jiang, Y-X
Cheng, Z-J
Zhang, Q
Hou, T
Chen, H
Litskevich, M
Casas, B
Yin, J-X
Cochran, TA
Yahyavi, M
Yang, XP
Balicas, L
Chang, G
Zhao, W
Neupert, T
Hasan, MZ
Item Type: Journal Article
Abstract: Topology1-3 and interactions are foundational concepts in the modern understanding of quantum matter. Their nexus yields three important research directions: (1) the competition between distinct interactions, as in several intertwined phases, (2) the interplay between interactions and topology that drives the phenomena in twisted layered materials and topological magnets, and (3) the coalescence of several topological orders to generate distinct novel phases. The first two examples have grown into major areas of research, although the last example remains mostly unexplored, mainly because of the lack of a material platform for experimental studies. Here, using tunnelling microscopy, photoemission spectroscopy and a theoretical analysis, we unveil a 'hybrid' topological phase of matter in the simple elemental-solid arsenic. Through a unique bulk-surface-edge correspondence, we uncover that arsenic features a conjoined strong and higher-order topology that stabilizes a hybrid topological phase. Although momentum-space spectroscopy measurements show signs of topological surface states, real-space microscopy measurements unravel a unique geometry of topologically induced step-edge conduction channels revealed on various natural nanostructures on the surface. Using theoretical models, we show that the existence of gapless step-edge states in arsenic relies on the simultaneous presence of both a non-trivial strong Z2 invariant and a non-trivial higher-order topological invariant, which provide experimental evidence for hybrid topology. Our study highlights pathways for exploring the interplay of different band topologies and harnessing the associated topological conduction channels in engineered quantum or nano-devices.
Issue Date: 18-Apr-2024
Date of Acceptance: 16-Feb-2024
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/110957
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07203-8
ISSN: 0028-0836
Publisher: Nature Research
Start Page: 527
End Page: 533
Journal / Book Title: Nature
Volume: 628
Issue: 8008
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2024 Springer-Verlag. This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07203-8
Keywords: General Science & Technology
Publication Status: Published
Conference Place: England
Open Access location: https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.04845
Online Publication Date: 2024-04-10
Appears in Collections:Condensed Matter Theory
Physics