Generation of spin-polarized hot electrons at topological insulators surfaces by scattering from collective charge excitations

[摘要] A key feature of topological insulators, such as Bi₂Se₃ is their protected electronic surface states where the direction of spin is locked to their momentum. Here, using spin-polarized electron energy loss spectroscopy, the authors demonstrate that collective charge excitations can initiate spin-dependent electron scattering at the surface of Bi₂Se₃, and this occurs for both the elastic and inelastic scattering channels.

[学科分类] 地球科学(综合)