Anomalous Decay of Quantum Resistance Oscillations of Two Dimensional Helical Electrons in Magnetic Field


Abstract in English

Shubnikov de Haas resistance oscillations of highly mobile two dimensional helical electrons propagating on a conducting surface of strained HgTe 3D topological insulator are studied in magnetic fields B tilted by angle $theta$ from the normal to the conducting layer. Strong decrease of oscillation amplitude A is observed with the tilt: $A sim exp(-xi/cos(theta))$, where $xi$ is a constant. Evolution of the oscillations with temperature T shows that the parameter $xi$ contains two terms: $xi=xi_1+xi_2 T$. The temperature independent term, $xi_1$, describes reduction of electron mean free path in magnetic field B pointing toward suppression of the topological protection of the electron states against impurity scattering. The temperature dependent term, $xi_2 T$, indicates increase of the reciprocal velocity of 2D helical electrons suggesting modification of the electron spectrum in magnetic fields.

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