Stable nontrivial Z2 topology in ultrathin Bi (111) films: A first-principles study

Zheng Liu, Chao Xing Liu, Yong Shi Wu, Wen Hui Duan, Feng Liu, Jian Wu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

327 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recently, there have been intense efforts in searching for new topological insulator materials. Based on first-principles calculations, we find that all the ultrathin Bi (111) films are characterized by a nontrivial Z2 number independent of the film thickness, without the odd-even oscillation of topological triviality as commonly perceived. The stable nontrivial Z 2 topology is retained by the concurrent band gap inversions at multiple time-reversal-invariant k points with the increasing film thickness and associated with the intermediate interbilayer coupling of the Bi film. Our calculations further indicate that the presence of metallic surface states in thick Bi (111) films can be effectively removed by surface adsorption.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number136805
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume107
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 23 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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