2021/01/21 by Chang-An Li, Song-Bo Zhang, Jian Li +1 · 32 citations
Materials Science · Physics and Astronomy · #Classical mechanics #Condensed matter physics #Conductance #Geometry #Graphene research and applications #Hinge #Interference (communication) #Interferometry #Magnetic field #Optics #Order (exchange) #Perpendicular #Physics #Quantum and electron transport phenomena #Quantum mechanics #Topological Materials and Phenomena #Topological insulator #Topology (electrical circuits) #cond-mat.mes-hall
paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physrevlett.127.026803
published in Physical Review Letters 127(2), 026803 (American Physical Society) · 6+7 pages, 3+5 figures
arxiv created 2021/01/21 · openalex publication_date 2021/07/08 · arxiv updated 2021/07/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
We propose an intrinsic three-dimensional Fabry-Pérot type interferometer, coined "higher-order interferometer," that is based on the chiral hinge states of second-order topological insulators and cannot be mapped to an equivalent two-dimensional setting because of higher-order topological obstructions. Quantum interference patterns in the two-terminal conductance of this interferometer are controllable not only by tuning the strength but also, particularly, by rotating the direction of the magnetic field applied perpendicularly to the transport direction. Remarkably, the conductance exhibits a characteristic beating pattern with multiple frequencies depending on the field strength and direction in a unique fashion. Our novel interferometer thus provides feasible and robust magnetotransport signatures for hinge states of higher-order topological insulators.