Scattering in Topological Insulators

In summary, the presence or absence of back-scattering in topological insulators can affect the scattering length and time, depending on the type of scattering being considered.
  • #1
sourabh barua
1
0
It is well known that back-scattering of surface electrons in topological insulators is prohibited due to Kramer's degeneracy theorem as long as Time Reversal Symmetry is not broken by magnetic field or magnetic impurities.

I would like to know what effect this has on scattering length and scattering times of a topological insulator. Should they not be very large in absence of magnetic impurities; the logic being that electrons will not be scattered. Or even in the case when back-scattering is absent, can electrons still be scattered, for example by angles not equal to 180 °.
 
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  • #2
Any references to this topic are also welcome. The answer to this question depends on the type of scattering that is being discussed. If the scattering is elastic, then the scattering length and time will not be affected by the absence of back-scattering due to Kramer's degeneracy theorem. However, if the scattering is inelastic, then the scattering length and time may be affected by the absence of back-scattering. This is because inelastic scattering involves the transfer of energy between the electrons, and this energy transfer may be impeded by the absence of back-scattering.
 

What is scattering in topological insulators?

Scattering in topological insulators refers to the process in which particles, such as electrons, are deflected or redirected as they travel through the material. This can occur due to interactions with other particles, defects in the material, or impurities.

How does scattering affect the behavior of topological insulators?

Scattering can significantly impact the transport properties of topological insulators. It can lead to a decrease in conductivity, modify the energy spectrum of the material, and even induce topological phase transitions.

What are the main mechanisms of scattering in topological insulators?

The main mechanisms of scattering in topological insulators include elastic scattering, in which the particles are simply deflected without any energy loss, and inelastic scattering, which involves energy exchange between the particles and the material. Other mechanisms include impurity scattering and phonon scattering.

How can scattering be controlled in topological insulators?

Controlling scattering in topological insulators is crucial for achieving their desired properties. This can be done through various methods, such as controlling the purity of the material, engineering the band structure, and utilizing external fields to manipulate the scattering processes.

What are the potential applications of understanding scattering in topological insulators?

Understanding scattering in topological insulators is essential for the development of new technologies. Some potential applications include low-power electronics, quantum computing, and spintronics. Additionally, topological insulators have potential uses in energy harvesting and storage, as well as in detecting and manipulating electromagnetic radiation.

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