Electron-phonon interactions in atomically thin topological insulators

As technologies develop rapidly, both energy and environmental crises raise serious concerns. Some special materials, called two-dimensional (2D) topological insulators, can carry electricity without loss only if they are at ultracold temperatures. This study reveals how these insulators start to dissipate energy when they become warmer at room temperature. It also shows how light and matter couple in a magnetic topological insulator, which can help researchers to design new topological switching devices using this topological insulator. Furthermore, this study shows how topological state creates a barrier against superconducting state and how intrinsic superconducting state can be achieved within them.