Backscattering in topological edge states despite time-reversal symmetry.

ABSTRACT: Spin-momentum-locked edge states of quantum spin Hall insulators provide a compelling platform for spintronic applications, owing to their intrinsic protection against backscattering from non-magnetic disorder. This protection emerges from time-reversal symmetry, which pairs Kramers partners of helical edge modes with opposite spin and momentum, thereby strictly forbidding elastic single-particle backscattering within the pair. Yet, contrary to the idealized notion of linear edge bands, the non-monotonic dispersions of realistic materials can host multiple Kramers pairs, reintroducing backscattering channels between them without violating time-reversal symmetry. Here, we investigate inter-Kramers pair backscattering in the non-linear edge bands of the quantum spin Hall insulator indenene,

SUBMITTER: Erhardt J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12405585 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature