Modification and Control of Topological Insulator Surface States Using Surface Disorder

Abstract

We numerically demonstrate a practical means of systematically controlling topological transport on the surface of a three dimensional topological insulator, by introducing strong disorder in a layer of depth $d$ extending inward from the surface of the topological insulator. The dependence on $d$ of the density of states, conductance, scattering time, scattering length, diffusion constant, and mean Fermi velocity are investigated. The proposed control via disorder depth $d$ requires that the disorder strength be near the large value which is necessary to drive the TI into the non-topological phase. If $d$ is patterned using masks, gates, ion implantation, etc., then integrated circuits may be fabricated. This technique will be useful for experiments and for device engineering.