Electron-phonon scattering in topological insulator thin films

TL;DR

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of how electron-phonon interactions affect electrical resistivity and quasiparticle decay in topological insulator thin films, with detailed estimates for Bi2Se3.

Contribution

It introduces a model combining elastic continuum phonons with helical Dirac fermions, deriving temperature-dependent resistivity and decay rates analytically.

Findings

Derived analytical low- and high-temperature power laws for resistivity and decay rate.

Provided detailed estimates for Bi2Se3 across the full temperature range.

Enhanced understanding of electron-phonon effects in topological insulator thin films.

Abstract

We present a theoretical study of electron-phonon scattering effects in thin films made of a strong topological insulator. Phonons are modelled by isotropic elastic continuum theory with stress-free boundary conditions, and the interaction with the helical surface Dirac fermions is mediated by the deformation potential. We determine the temperature-dependent electrical resistivity $\rho(T)$ and the quasiparticle decay rate $\Gamma(T)$ observable in photoemission. The low- and high-temperature power laws for both quantities are obtained analytically. Detailed estimates covering the full temperature range are provided for Bi$_2$Se$_3$.