On the single-electron theory of quantum spin Hall effect in two dimensional topological insulators

TL;DR

This paper reviews and critiques previous single-electron theories of the quantum spin Hall effect in 2D topological insulators, proposing a new perspective that addresses earlier shortcomings.

Contribution

It offers a novel and correct approach to understanding the QSHE at the single-electron level, challenging prior models.

Findings

Identifies failures in previous theories

Proposes a new theoretical framework

Clarifies the mechanism of QSHE

Abstract

Recently we wrote a paper on the theory of the quantum spin Hall effect(QSHE) in two dimensional(2D) topological insulators(TIs)1 which have been considered as do not add much new insight to the exhaustively studied topic of TI within a single-electron picture by the referees. In this paper we review the papers on the mechanism of the QSHE which have significant influence on understanding of the subject. By illustrating the failures of the previous works we show our paper do contribute a different point of view to this topic, which we believe is not only a new but also the correct way to approach the problem at the single-electron level.