The quantum spin Hall effect and topological insulators

TL;DR

This paper discusses the quantum spin Hall effect and topological insulators, highlighting their unique physical properties arising from spin-orbit coupling and time-reversal symmetry in a new state of matter.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of topological insulators and explains their fundamental physical properties related to the quantum spin Hall effect.

Findings

Prediction of exotic physical properties in topological insulators

Role of spin-orbit coupling and time-reversal symmetry in these materials

Identification of a new state of matter

Abstract

In topological insulators, spin-orbit coupling and time-reversal symmetry combine to form a novel state of matter predicted to have exotic physical properties.