Speaker
Description
A large-gap Quantum Spin Hall Insulating state was recently predicted to appear in the compound Pt2HgSe3. The lack of knowledge of phase equilibria in the Hg-Pt-Se system as well as the high-volatility and toxicity of the components render the conventional crystal growth methods unusable. Here we report on the successful growth of Pt2HgSe3 crystals at high pressure (1-3GPa), using a cubic anvil isostatic press operating at high temperature (800-1000°C). The largest crystals (~0.9 x 0.5 mm2 in the ab-plane) were grown at 1.5GPa and 900°C, starting from a slightly Hg-rich composition. The crystals exhibit the expected structure and exfoliate in the ab-plane. The successful growth of jacutingaite crystals opens a new perspective towards robust non-trivial 2D topologic materials.
