Scattering in Topological Insulators

[sourabh barua]

It is well known that back-scattering of surface electrons in topological insulators is prohibited due to Kramer's degeneracy theorem as long as Time Reversal Symmetry is not broken by magnetic field or magnetic impurities.

I would like to know what effect this has on scattering length and scattering times of a topological insulator. Should they not be very large in absence of magnetic impurities; the logic being that electrons will not be scattered. Or even in the case when back-scattering is absent, can electrons still be scattered, for example by angles not equal to 180 °.

 

[BigJDubs]

Any references to this topic are also welcome. The answer to this question depends on the type of scattering that is being discussed. If the scattering is elastic, then the scattering length and time will not be affected by the absence of back-scattering due to Kramer's degeneracy theorem. However, if the scattering is inelastic, then the scattering length and time may be affected by the absence of back-scattering. This is because inelastic scattering involves the transfer of energy between the electrons, and this energy transfer may be impeded by the absence of back-scattering.