Probing Image Potential States on Topological Semimetal Antimony Surface

Abstract

A point charge near the surface of a topological insulator (TI) with broken time-reversal symmetry is predicted to generate an image magnetic charge in addition to an image electric charge. We use scanning tunneling spectroscopy to study the image potential states (IPS) of the topological semimetal Sb(111) surface. We observe five IPS with discrete energy levels that are well described by a one-dimensional model. The spatial variation of the IPS energies and lifetimes near surface step edges shows the first local signature of resonant interband scattering between IPS, which suggests that image charges too may interact. Our work motivates the exploration of the TI surface geometry necessary to realize and manipulate a magnetic charge.

arXiv comment6 pages, 6 figures

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Cited by in corpus (3)

• Quantum-well and modified image-potential states in thin Pb(111) films: an estimate for the local work function
• Field-Emission Resonances in Thin Metallic Films: Nonexponential Decay of the Tunneling Current as a Function of the Sample-to-Tip Distance
• Density of States of an Electron in the Image Field and Blocking Electric Field