Van der Waals heterostructures based on three-dimensional topological insulators

Three-dimensional (3D) topological insulators (TIs) have generated tremendous research interest over the past decade due to their topologically-protected surface states with linear dispersion and helical spin texture. The topological surface states offer an important platform to realize topological phase transitions, topological magnetoelectric effects and topological superconductivity via 3D TI-based heterostructures. In this review, we summarize the key findings of magneto and quantum transport properties in 3D TIs and their related hetero -structures with normal insulators, ferromagnets and superconductors. For intrinsic 3D TIs, the experimental evidences of the topological surface states and their coupling effects are reviewed. Whereas for 3D TI related heterostructures, we focus on some important phenomenological magnetotransport activities and provide ex-planations for the proximity-induced topological and quantum effects.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the research progress on three-dimensional topological insulators, including surface states, topological phase transitions, and heterostructures with other materials. Experimental evidences and coupling effects of the topological surface states in intrinsic 3D TIs are discussed, while the focus is on magnetotransport activities and explanations of the proximity-induced topological and quantum effects in related heterostructures.