Quantitative theory of backscattering in topological HgTe and (Hg,Mn)Te quantum wells: acceptor states, Kondo effect, precessional dephasing, and bound magnetic polaron

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive theoretical model for backscattering mechanisms in topological HgTe and (Hg,Mn)Te quantum wells, incorporating various quantum interactions and effects to match experimental conductance data.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed quantitative theory that includes acceptor states, Kondo effect, magnetic polarons, and anisotropic exchange interactions in topological quantum wells.

Findings

The theory matches experimental conductance temperature dependence.

Quantifies the impact of magnetic and acceptor states on backscattering.

Provides numerical evaluations of backscattering rates.

Abstract

We present the theory and numerical evaluations of the backscattering rate determined by acceptor holes or Mn spins in HgTe and (Hg,Mn)Te quantum wells in the quantum spin Hall regime. The role of anisotropic s-p and sp-d exchange interactions, Kondo coupling, Luttinger liquid effects, precessional dephasing, and bound magnetic polarons is quantified. The determined magnitude and temperature dependence of conductance are in accord with experimental results for HgTe and (Hg,Mn)Te quantum wells.