Quantum spin Hall effect in a transition metal oxide Na2IrO3

Abstract

We study theoretically the electronic states in a $5d$ transition metal oxide Na$_2$IrO$_3$, in which both the spin-orbit interaction and the electron correlation play crucial roles. Tight-binding model analysis together with the fisrt-principles band structure calculation predicts that this material is a layered quantum spin Hall system. Due to the electron correlation, an antiferromagnetic order first develops at the edge, and later inside the bulk at low temperatures.

5 pages, 2 figures