Structurally driven, reversible topological phase transition in a distorted square net material
Yang, Xian P. Hsu, Chia-Hsiu Acharya, Gokul Zhang, Junyi Hossain, Shafayat Cochran, Tyler A. Neupane, Bimal Cheng, Zi-Jia Chhetri, Santosh Karki Kim, Byunghoon
Yang, Xian P.
Hsu, Chia-Hsiu
Acharya, Gokul
Zhang, Junyi
Hossain, Shafayat
Cochran, Tyler A.
Neupane, Bimal
Cheng, Zi-Jia
Chhetri, Santosh Karki
Kim, Byunghoon
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2026-03-17
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Yang, Xian P. et Al. Structurally Driven, Reversible Topological Phase Transition in a Distorted Square Net Material. 2026. Physical Review Letters. 10.1103/spbv-1xg6.
Abstract
Topological materials hold immense promise for exhibiting exotic quantum phenomena, yet achieving controllable topological phase transitions remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate a structurally driven, reversible topological phase transition in the distorted square net material GdPS, induced via in situ potassium dosing. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first principles calculations, we demonstrate a cascade of topological phases in the subsurface P layer: from a large, topologically trivial band gap to a gapless Dirac cone state with a 2 eV dispersion, and finally to a two-dimensional topological insulator as inferred from theory. This evolution is driven by subtle structural distortions in the first P layer caused by potassium adsorption, which in turn contribute to the band gap closure and topological phase transition. Furthermore, the ability to manipulate the topology of a subsurface layer in GdPS offers a unique route for exploring and controlling topological states in bulk materials. © 2026 American Physical Society.
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American Physical Society
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Physical Review Letters
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00319007