Observation of topological states residing at step edges of WTe₂.

ABSTRACT: Topological states emerge at the boundary of solids as a consequence of the nontrivial topology of the bulk. Recently, theory predicts a topological edge state on single layer transition metal dichalcogenides with 1T' structure. However, its existence still lacks experimental proof. Here, we report the direct observations of the topological states at the step edge of WTe₂ by spectroscopic-imaging scanning tunneling microscopy. A one-dimensional electronic state residing at the step edge of WTe₂ is observed, which exhibits remarkable robustness against edge imperfections. First principles calculations rigorously verify the edge state has a topological origin, and its topological nature is unaffected by the presence of the substrate. Our study supports the existence of

SUBMITTER: Peng L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5610310 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature