arXiv subjects

Xiang-Bing Li

Publications and source records attributed to Xiang-Bing Li.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2018

Unveiling the Charge Density Wave Inhomogeneity and Pseudogap State in 1T-TiSe2

By using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) / spectroscopy (STS), we systematically characterize the electronic structure of lightly doped 1T-TiSe2, and demonstrate the existence of the electronic inhomogeneity and the pseudogap state. It is found that the intercalation induced lattice distortion impacts the local band structure and reduce the size of the charge density wave (CDW) gap with the persisted 2x2 spatial modulation. On the other hand, the delocalized doping electrons promote the formation of pseudogap. Domination by either of the two effects results in the separation of two characteristic regions in real space, exhibiting rather different electronic structures. Further doping electrons to the surface confirms that the pseudogap may be the precursor for the superconducting gap. This study suggests that the competition of local lattice distortion and the delocalized doping effect contribute to the complicated relationship between charge density wave and superconductivity for intercalated 1T-TiSe2.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Direct Visualization of 2D Topological Insulator in Single-layer 1T'-WTe2

We grow nearly freestanding single-layer 1T'-WTe2 on graphitized 6H-SiC(0001) by using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and characterize its electronic structure with scanning tunneling microscopy / spectroscopy (STM/STS). We demonstrate the existence of topological edge states at the periphery of single-layer WTe2 islands. Surprisingly, we also find a band gap in the bulk and the semiconducting behaviors of the single-layer WTe2 at low temperature, which is likely resulted from an incommensurate charge density wave (CDW) transition. The realization of two-dimensional topological insulators (2D TIs) in single-layer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) thus provides a promising platform for further exploration of the 2D TIs' physics and related applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Real-space characterization of reactivity towards water at Bi2Te3(111) surface

Surface reactivity is important in modifying the physical and chemical properties of surface sensitive materials, such as the topological insulators (TIs). Even though many studies addressing the reactivity of TIs towards external gases have been reported, it is still under heavy debate whether and how the topological insulators react with H$_2$O. Here, we employ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to directly probe the surface reaction of Bi$_2$Te$_3$ towards H$_2$O. Surprisingly, it is found that only the top quintuple layer is reactive to H$_2$O, resulting in a hydrated Bi bilayer as well as some Bi islands, which passivate the surface and prevent from the subsequent reaction. A reaction mechanism is proposed with H$_2$Te and hydrated Bi as the products. Unexpectedly, our study indicates the reaction with water is intrinsic and not dependent on any surface defects. Since water inevitably exists, these findings provide key information when considering the reactions of Bi$_2$Te$_3$ with residual gases or atmosphere.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Robust topological edge states at the perfect surface step edge of topological insulator ZrTe$_5$

We report an atomic-scale characterization of ZrTe$_5$ by using scanning tunneling microscopy. We observe a bulk bandgap of ~80 meV with topological edge states at the step edge, and thus demonstrate ZrTe$_5$ is a two dimensional topological insulator. It is also found that an applied magnetic field induces energetic splitting and spatial separation of the topological edge states, which can be attributed to a strong link between the topological edge states and bulk topology. The perfect surface steps and relatively large bandgap make ZrTe$_5$ be a potential candidate for future fundamental studies and device applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗