# Probing Image Potential States on Topological Semimetal Antimony Surface

## TL;DR

This study investigates the image potential states on the Sb(111) surface, revealing discrete energy levels and local interactions, which could inform future topological insulator surface manipulations.

## Contribution

It provides the first detailed experimental observation of IPS on a topological semimetal surface and explores their spatial variation and interactions.

## Key findings

- Five discrete IPS observed with well-defined energies
- Spatial variation indicates resonant interband scattering
- Potential for manipulating magnetic charges on TI surfaces

## Abstract

A point charge near the surface of a topological insulator (TI) with broken time-reversal symmetry is predicted to generate an image magnetic charge in addition to an image electric charge. We use scanning tunneling spectroscopy to study the image potential states (IPS) of the topological semimetal Sb(111) surface. We observe five IPS with discrete energy levels that are well described by a one-dimensional model. The spatial variation of the IPS energies and lifetimes near surface step edges shows the first local signature of resonant interband scattering between IPS, which suggests that image charges too may interact. Our work motivates the exploration of the TI surface geometry necessary to realize and manipulate a magnetic charge.