Weyl Semimetal in a Topological Insulator Multilayer

ORAL

Abstract

We propose a simple realization of the three-dimensional (3D) Weyl semimetal phase, utilizing a multilayer structure, composed of identical thin films of a magnetically-doped 3D topological insulator (TI), separated by ordinary-insulator spacer layers. We show that the phase diagram of this system contains a Weyl semimetal phase of the simplest possible kind, with only two Dirac nodes of opposite chirality, separated in momentum space, in its bandstructure. This Weyl semimetal has a finite anomalous Hall conductivity, chiral edge states, and occurs as an intermediate phase between an ordinary insulator and a 3D quantum anomalous Hall insulator. We discuss unusual transport properties of the Weyl semimetal, and in particular point out quantum critical-like scaling of the DC and optical conductivity.

Authors

  • Anton Burkov

    • University of Waterloo
  • Leon Balents

    • Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
    • Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara
    • Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California Santa Barbara
    • Physics, UCSB
    • Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, UCSB