Fundamentals Concepts of Topological Insulators: Historical Overview and Single Crystal Growth Techniques

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Fundamentals Concepts of Topological Insulators: Historical Overview and Single Crystal Growth Techniques

Tanmay Bhongade, Anupras Manwar, Kunal Kumar, Prasad Kulkarni, Ramireddy Boppella, Suvarna R. Bathe, Aniruddha Chatterjee, Shravanti Joshi

Topological insulating materials symbolize a novel matter in the form of quantum states distinguished by distinctive core and surfaces mainly arising from macroscopic wave functions. The bulk property of the insulator grants its band structure exotic features owing to which, the material depicts an insulating core and conducting surface. Such inherent characteristics ensure that the electrons propagate along the surface. Herein, we present an informative review of topological insulating materials focusing on the basic theories, and synthesis routes to achieve single crystal structures and material properties. At the start, a historical perspective is provided with a brief discussion on topological insulators reported to date. Thereafter, a detailed account is bestowed to understand different preparation methodologies from viewpoints of defect engineering and prototype fabrication in order to realize high-quality topological insulators for subsequent roles in customized applications in the fields of quantum computing, catalysis, optoelectronic and magnetic devices. Lastly, a future outlook and the impact of topological insulators in various fields of physics, chemistry, and engineering are furnished toward the end of the chapter.

Keywords
Quantum, Band Gap, Insulator, Symmetry, Surface States, Wave Functions

Published online 12/15/2023, 14 pages

Citation: Tanmay Bhongade, Anupras Manwar, Kunal Kumar, Prasad Kulkarni, Ramireddy Boppella, Suvarna R. Bathe, Aniruddha Chatterjee, Shravanti Joshi, Fundamentals Concepts of Topological Insulators: Historical Overview and Single Crystal Growth Techniques, Materials Research Foundations, Vol. 154, pp 172-185, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644902851-9

Part of the book on Topological Insulators

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