Strong magneto-optical effects due to surface states in three-dimensional topological insulators

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that thin films of 3D topological insulators can produce strong magneto-optical effects, including near-complete circular polarization and efficient four-wave mixing, under transverse magnetic fields.

Contribution

It reveals the potential of topological insulator thin films for enhanced magneto-optical applications due to their surface states.

Findings

Achieved near-complete circular polarization of incident radiation.

Demonstrated efficient four-wave mixing.

Observed strong linear and nonlinear magneto-optical effects.

Abstract

We show that a thin film of a three-dimensional topological insulator such as Bi$_2$Se$_3$ or Bi$_2$Te$_3$ can exhibit strong linear and nonlinear magneto-optical effects in a transverse magnetic field. In particular, one can achieve an almost complete circular polarization of an incident terahertz or mid-infrared radiation and an efficient four-wave mixing.