Recent Advances in Topological Insulators and Their Applications

Abstract

Topological insulators (TIs) have emerged as a groundbreaking class of quantum materials characterized by insulating bulk states and conducting surface or edge states protected by time-reversal symmetry. Since their theoretical prediction and experimental realization, TIs have garnered significant attention due to their unique electronic properties, which enable dissipationless transport and robust spin-momentum locking. These properties hold immense potential for applications in spintronics, quantum computing, and energy-efficient electronics.
Recent advances in topological insulators have led to the discovery of higher-order topological phases, topological superconductors, and novel quantum transport phenomena, expanding the scope of their technological impact. Experimental breakthroughs, including sophisticated material synthesis techniques and high-resolution spectroscopic studies, have deepened our understanding of their electronic structures and topological phase transitions. Additionally, the integration of TIs with superconductors and magnetic materials has opened new frontiers in realizing Majorana fermions, a key component in topological quantum computing.
In this review, we discuss the fundamental principles governing TIs, recent developments in material discovery and experimental techniques, and their emerging applications in modern technology. We also explore the challenges associated with their practical implementation, including fabrication limitations, disorder effects, and scalability concerns. Finally, we provide insights into future directions for research and potential breakthroughs that could further revolutionize quantum materials and their role in next-generation electronics.