Opportunities in topological insulator devices

Topological insulators are unique materials giving rise to unconventional quantum phenomena. This Technical Review discusses how various physics effects can only be observed in devices carefully fabricated to address them, including topological superconductivity, quantum anomalous Hall states, spintronic functionalities and topological mesoscopic physics. Topological insulators (TIs) hold promise as a platform for unique quantum phenomena. However, realizing these phenomena experimentally requires sophisticated devices. In this Technical Review, we discuss four topics of particular interest for TI devices: topological superconductivity, quantum anomalous Hall insulators as a platform for exotic phenomena, spintronic functionalities and topological mesoscopic physics. We also discuss the status and technical challenges in fabricating TI devices to address new physics.

Automated summary

Topological insulators are unique materials that result in unconventional quantum phenomena. To observe these phenomena experimentally, sophisticated devices are required. This Technical Review discusses various physics effects that can be observed in carefully fabricated devices, including topological superconductivity, quantum anomalous Hall states, spintronic functionalities and topological mesoscopic physics.