Observation of a topologically non-trivial surface state in half-Heusler PtLuSb (001) thin films

Abstract

The discovery of topological insulators (TIs), materials with bulk band gaps and protected cross-gap surface states, in compounds such as Bi2Se3 has generated much interest in identifying topological surface states (TSSs) in other classes of materials. In particular, recent theory calculations suggest that TSSs may be found in half-Heusler ternary compounds. If experimentally realizable, this would provide a materials platform for entirely new heterostructure spintronic devices that make use of the structurally-identical but electronically-varied nature of Heusler compounds. Here, we show the presence of a TSS in epitaxially grown thin films of the half-Heusler compound PtLuSb. Spin and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), complemented by theoretical calculations, reveals a surface state with linear dispersion and a helical tangential spin texture consistent with previous predictions. This experimental verification of TI behavior is a significant step forward in establishing half-Heusler compounds as a viable material system for future spintronics devices.

arXiv comment12 pages (8 main, 4 supplemental), 9 figures (5 main, 4 supplemental), V2 updated reference, V3 updated abbreviation

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• Magnetotransport properties and giant anomalous Hall angle in half-Heusler compound TbPtBi
• Model Hamiltonian and Time Reversal Breaking Topological Phases of Anti-ferromagnetic Half-Heusler Materials
• Double Band Inversion in $\alpha$-Sn: Appearance of Topological Surface States and the Role of Orbital Composition
• Linear-in-frequency optical conductivity in GdPtBi due to transitions near the triple points
• Efficient spin current source using a half-Heusler alloy topological semimetal with Back-End-of-Line compatibility
• Perspective: Heusler interfaces -- opportunities beyond spintronics?
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• Epitaxial Heusler Superlattice Co2MnAl/Fe2MnAl with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy and Termination-Dependent Half-Metallicity
• Surface reconstructions and transport of epitaxial PtLuSb (001) thin films grown by MBE
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• Electronic structure and hinge states of strained half-Heusler compounds LiSbZn and LiBiZn