The introduction of topological invariants, ranging from insulators to metals, has provided new insights into the traditional classification of electronic states in condensed matter physics. A sudden change in the top...The introduction of topological invariants, ranging from insulators to metals, has provided new insights into the traditional classification of electronic states in condensed matter physics. A sudden change in the topological invariant at the boundaw of a topological nontrivial system leads to the formation of exotic surface states that are dramatically different from its bulk. In recent years, significant advancements in the exploration of the physical properties of these topological systems and regarding device research related to spintronics and quantum computation have been made. Here, we review the progress of the characterization and manipulation of topological phases from the electron transport perspective and also the intriguing chiral/Majorana states that stem from them. We then discuss the future directions of research into these topological states and their potential applications.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFA0303302)the National Key Research and Development Program(2016YFA0301700)+4 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(11474058,61674040)National Natural Science Foundation of China(11574127)Guangdong Innovative and Entrepreneurial Research Team Program(2016ZT06D348)Science,Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality(ZDSYS20170303165926217)Research Grants Council,University Research Committee,Hong Kong under Grant No.17301116 and C6026-16W
文摘The introduction of topological invariants, ranging from insulators to metals, has provided new insights into the traditional classification of electronic states in condensed matter physics. A sudden change in the topological invariant at the boundaw of a topological nontrivial system leads to the formation of exotic surface states that are dramatically different from its bulk. In recent years, significant advancements in the exploration of the physical properties of these topological systems and regarding device research related to spintronics and quantum computation have been made. Here, we review the progress of the characterization and manipulation of topological phases from the electron transport perspective and also the intriguing chiral/Majorana states that stem from them. We then discuss the future directions of research into these topological states and their potential applications.