Nondegenerate Integer Quantum Hall Effect from Topological Surface States in Ag₂Te Nanoplates.

Abstract

The quantum Hall effect is one of the exclusive properties displayed by Dirac Fermions in topological insulators, which propagates along the chiral edge state and gives rise to quantized electron transport. However, the quantum Hall effect formed by the nondegenerate Dirac surface states has been elusive so far. Here, we demonstrate the nondegenerate integer quantum Hall effect from the topological surface states in three-dimensional (3D) topological insulator β-Ag₂Te nanostructures. Surface-state dominant conductance renders quantum Hall conductance plateaus with a step of <i>e</i>²/<i>h</i>, along with typical thermopower behaviors of two-dimensional (2D) massless Dirac electrons. The 2D nature of the topological surface states is proven by the electrical and thermal transport responses under tilted magnetic fields. Moreover, the degeneracy of the surface states is removed by structure inversion asymmetry (SIA). The evidenced SIA-induced nondegenerate integer quantum Hall effect in low-symmetry β-Ag₂Te has implications for both fundamental study and the realization of topological magneto-electric effects.