Electron-phonon scattering in topological insulators

We formulate and apply a theory of electron-phonon interactions for the surface state of a strong topological insulator. Phonons are modeled using an isotropic elastic continuum theory with stress-free boundary conditions and interact with the Dirac surface fermions via the deformation potential. We discuss the temperature dependence of the quasiparticle lifetime in photoemission and of the surface resistivity.