Exotic Topological Insulators Electrify Physics

摘要

The physics Top Ten is fired up this period by the palpable excitement generated by the entry of a paper (#6) devoted to topological insulators. These are exotic materials that are insulators in the bulk, but their remarkable surface conditions lead to new phases, including unhindered unidirectional electron flow at the surface. This type of material allows electrons to travel at room temperature without loss of energy.