Topological Chiral Crystals with Helicoid Arc Quantum States (3-D) (IMAGE)

Princeton University

Topological Chiral Crystals with Helicoid Arc Quantum States (3-D)

Caption

These 3-D images of electron distribution within topological chiral crystals show the helicoid arc quantum state patterns. The extended threads along the diagonal are the 'Fermi arc' quantum states revealing the topological behavior of the electrons. The surface Fermi arc is a property that defines topological conductivity - related to the electrical conductivity of the material's surface - which in these topological chiral crystals was about 100 times larger than that observed in previously identified topological metals. Context: Princeton University Physics Professor Zahid Hasan led a research team that found chiral crystals -- crystals with a spiral-shaped asymmetry -- with topological properties that may contribute to next-generation quantum, magnetic and optical technologies.

Credit

Hasan Lab, Princeton University

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