Abstract
We theoretically study the helical edge states in the quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect based on an effective 4-band tight-binding model for HgTe/CdTe quantum wells. We microscopically describe the spatial dependence of the helical edge modes in the QSH state. It is found that the helical edge states are gapped when the width of sample narrows. This is because the edge states on the opposite boundary of the sample overlap each other, and then the backward scattering channel opens up.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 012103 |
Journal | Journal of Physics: Conference Series |
Volume | 266 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy(all)