Backscattering of topologically protected helical edge states by line defects

Abstract

The quantization of conductance in the presence of nonmagnetic point defects is a consequence of topological protection and the spin-momentum locking of helical edge states in two-dimensional topological insulators. This protection ensures the absence of backscattering of helical edge modes in the quantum Hall phase of the system. However, in this paper, we focus on exploring an approach to spoil such conductance quantization. We propose that a linear arrangement of (nonmagnetic) on-site impurities can effectively cause deviations from the conductance quantization of the edge states in the Kane-Mele model. To investigate this phenomenon, we consider an armchair ribbon containing a line defect spanning its width. Utilizing the tight-binding model and nonequilibrium Green's function method, we calculate the transmission coefficient of the system. Our results reveal a suppression of conductance at energies near the lower edge of the bulk gap for positive on-site potentials. To further comprehend this behavior, we perform analytical calculations and discuss the formation of an impurity channel. This channel arises due to the overlap of in-gap bound states, linking the bottom edge of the ribbon to its top edge, consequently facilitating backscattering. Our explanation is supported by the analysis of the local density of states at sites near the position of impurities. © 2024 American Physical Society.