Non-uniform Spatial Distribution of Spin Polarization in Topological Insulator (Bi2Te3) Surface

TL;DR

This study provides the first experimental evidence of non-uniform spin polarization distribution on Bi2Te3 topological insulator surfaces, revealing spin domains influenced by temperature, magnetic fields, and electric currents.

Contribution

It is the first to experimentally demonstrate the existence of spin domains on topological insulator surfaces and their dependence on external conditions.

Findings

Non-uniform spin polarization observed on Bi2Te3 surface.

Spin domains are affected by temperature, magnetic field, and electric current.

Surface spin domains have not been predicted by existing theories.

Abstract

We found, through extensive study of micro reflectance difference spectroscopy images of Bi2Te3 topological insulator surface, the first clear experimental evidence that there is non-uniform spatial distribution of spin polarization (spin domains) in the surface of the topological insulator. These spin domains involve when they are at different temperatures, in an external magnetic field, and can be driven by electric current. Such surface spin domains in topological insulators have never been predicted by any theory so far.