Abstract
We have measured the differential resistance in a two-dimensional topological insulator (2DTI) in a HgTe quantum well, as a function of the applied dc current. The transport near the charge neutrality point is characterized by a pair of counter propagating gapless edge modes. In the presence of an electric field, the energy is transported by counter propagating channels in the opposite direction. We test a hot carrier effect model and demonstrate that the energy transfer complies with the Wiedemann Franz law near the charge neutrality point in the edge transport regime.
Highlights
Application of novel experimental methods for the investigation of the transport properties of 2D TI is of particular interest
They have a linear dispersion, and, the inelastic electron-electron scattering within a single edge channel is much stronger than the transitions between the counter propagating edge states
Because the sample is short, phonon emission does not occur at this distances
Summary
Application of novel experimental methods for the investigation of the transport properties of 2D TI is of particular interest. Helical edge states in topological insulators, have properties that are radically different from those expected in conventional 1D systems They have a linear dispersion, and, the inelastic electron-electron scattering within a single edge channel is much stronger than the transitions between the counter propagating edge states (which are rare because of the topological protection). This leads to counter propagating heat currents and different carrier thermalization and temperature profiles[22]. The Wiedemann-Franz law is found to be valid near the charge neutrality point supporting the overheating of the edge state carriers model. Our findings pave the way for further exploration of quantized thermal transport in two-dimensional topological insulators
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