Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-29-2021
Abstract
Twisting van der Waals heterostructures to induce correlated many body states provides a novel tuning mechanism in solid state physics. In this work, we theoretically investigate the fate of the surface Dirac cone of a three-dimensional topological insulator subject to a superlattice potential. Using a combination of diagrammatic perturbation theory, lattice model simulations, and ab initio calculations we elucidate the unique aspects of twisting a single Dirac cone with an induced moiré potential and the role of the bulk topology on the reconstructed surface band structure. We report a dramatic renormalization of the surface Dirac cone velocity as well as demonstrate a topological obstruction to the formation of isolated minibands. Due to the topological nature of the bulk, surface band gaps cannot open; instead additional satellite Dirac cones emerge, which can be highly anisotropic and made quite flat. We discuss the implications of our findings for future experiments.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Physical Review B
Recommended Citation
Cano, J., Fang, S., Pixley, J., & Wilson, J. (2021). Moiré superlattice on the surface of a topological insulator. Physical Review B, 103 (15) https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.103.155157