High-field linear magneto-resistance in topological insulator Bi2Se3 thin films

Linear magneto-resistance is observed in high magnetic field in topological insulator Bi2Se3 films. As revealed by tilted magnetic field measurement, this linear magneto-resistance is associated with the gapless topological surface states and of quantum origin. In the ultra-thin limit, the inter-surface tunneling induced surface state gap opening quenches the linear magneto-resistance. Instead, weak negative magneto-resistance is observed in high magnetic fields in ultra-thin films. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3677669]