Preserving the topological surface state: FePc on Bi2Se3

TL;DR

This study investigates FePc molecules on Bi2Se3 topological insulator surfaces, demonstrating that the surface state remains intact after molecular adsorption, which is promising for future interface engineering and magnetic texture design.

Contribution

The paper provides atomic-scale insights into FePc molecule adsorption on Bi2Se3 and shows the preservation of the topological surface state despite magnetic molecule attachment.

Findings

Dirac point remains unchanged after FePc deposition

Molecular adsorption does not disrupt topological surface state

FePc molecules' orbitals shift slightly depending on binding site

Abstract

Iron phthalocyanine (FePc) molecules were investigated on the topological insulator surface Bi2Se3 using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) at 77 K in ultra high vacuum (UHV). Sub-molecular resolution STM images provide the atomic scale registry of the adsorption site of the molecules, on-top or bridge, with reference to the top surface Se atoms of the Bi2Se3 surface. STS data reveal a slight shift in the HOMO and LUMO orbitals of the FePc molecules with respect to the specific binding site. Close to Fermi energy the STS measurements show that the Dirac point of Bi2Se3 remains unchanged after depositing FePc molecules. This is indicative of the protection of the topological insulator surface state (TISS). We speculate that though the Fe atom has magnetic properties, the ligands attached to Fe in the Pc ring influence the magnetic behavior of the molecule upon adsorption on the Bi2Se3 substrate. Our work puts forth an example to advance the strategic platform for tuning the TISS interfaces with different molecules and for designing surfaces and interfaces with time reversal symmetry protected magnetic textures.