Current Modulator based on Topological Insulator with Sliding Magnetic Superlattice

TL;DR

This paper theoretically investigates a topological insulator surface with a sliding magnetic superlattice, analyzing zero mode dynamics and proposing applications in electronic devices such as current rectifiers and pulse generators.

Contribution

It introduces a novel setup combining topological insulators with sliding magnetic superlattices and analyzes zero mode pumping based on superlattice velocity.

Findings

Zero mode is perfectly pumped when superlattice velocity is below Fermi velocity.

Zero mode is imperfectly pumped when superlattice velocity exceeds Fermi velocity.

Proposes device applications for current rectification and pulse generation.

Abstract

We study theoretically the surface of a topological insulator with a sliding magnetic superlattice coated above. By analyzing time-dependent Dirac equations, the dynamics of the zero mode is investigated. When the superlattice's sliding velocity is smaller (larger) than the Fermi velocity of topological insulator, the zero mode is perfectly (imperfectly) pumped. We also propose the application of this setup, which rectifies currents or generates pulse currents. It would provide a prototype of electronic devices based on topological insulator.