Magnetotransport and induced superconductivity in Bi based three-dimensional topological insulators

TL;DR

This paper reviews experimental studies on magnetotransport and induced superconductivity in Bi-based 3D topological insulators, highlighting their unique surface states, magnetoresistance phenomena, and potential for spintronics and Majorana devices.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of experimental observations on magnetotransport and superconductivity in Bi-based topological insulators, emphasizing new insights into their surface state properties and hybrid structures.

Findings

Observation of helical spin-momentum coupling effects

Large, linear magnetoresistance in experiments

Induction of superconductivity via proximity effect

Abstract

The surface of a 3D topological insulator is conducting and the topologically nontrivial nature of the surface states is observed in experiments. It is the aim of this paper to review and analyze experimental observations with respect to the magnetotransport in Bi-based 3D topological insulators, as well as the superconducting transport properties of hybrid structures consisting of superconductors and these topological insulators. The helical spin-momentum coupling of the surface state electrons becomes visible in quantum corrections to the conductivity and magnetoresistance oscillations. An analysis will be provided of the reported magnetoresistance, also in the presence of bulk conductivity shunts. Special attention is given to the large and linear magnetoresistance. Superconductivity can be induced in topological superconductors by means of the proximity effect. The induced supercurrents, Josephson effects and current-phase relations will be reviewed. These materials hold great potential in the field of spintronics and the route towards Majorana devices.