Pentagonal nanowires from topological crystalline insulators: a platform for intrinsic core–shell nanowires and higher-order topology

• DOI: 10.1039/d4nh00019f
• Publication Date: 2024-05-17T06:20:51Z
• Authors: Ghulam Hussain; Giuseppe Cuono; Piotr Dziawa; Dorota Janaszko; Janusz Sadowski; Slawomir Kret; Bogusława Kurowska; Jakub Polaczyński; Kinga Warda; Shahid Sattar; Carlo M. Canali; Alexander Lau; Wojciech Brzezicki; Tomasz Story; Carmine Autieri
• Keywords: Condensed Matter - Materials Science; Pentagonal nanowires; Condensed Matter - Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics; Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics (cond-mat.mes-hall); Density functional theory; Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci); FOS: Physical sciences; Topology

We report on the experimental realization of Pb1-xSnx Te pentagonal nanowires (NWs) with [110] orientation using molecular beam epitaxy techniques. Using first-principles calculations, we investigate structural stability NWs SnTe and PbTe in three different phases: cubic, [001] orientation. Within a semiclassical approach, show that interplay between ionic covalent bonds favors formation NWs. Additionally, find this structure is more likely to occur tellurides than selenides. The disclination twin boundary cause electronic states originating from NW core region generate conducting band connecting valence conduction bands, creating symmetry-enforced metallic phase. has opposite slopes cases Sn boundaries, while bands shell are insulating. finally study topological properties unveiling their potential as new platform for higher-order topology fractional charge. These represent unique case intrinsic core-shell one-dimensional nanostructures distinct structural, region.