Spin-resolved Dirac-like surface states on
Phys. Rev. B 113, 075411 – Published 9 February, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/frx3-7d9n
Abstract
The design of three-dimensional (3D) superlattices from known two-dimensional (2D) and 3D topological units provides a versatile platform for engineering spin-dependent electronic states. While most previous studies have focused on topological surface states (TSS), other prominent spectral features have received less attention. In the prototypical nature superlattice compound from the family, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) reveals a dominant Dirac-like band whose spin texture has remained unresolved. Here, using low-temperature cleavage, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), circular dichroism ARPES (CD-ARPES), and ab initio calculations, we achieve uniformly terminated surfaces, enabling unambiguous identification of its spin polarization. We find that this Dirac-like state exhibits a reversed in-plane helical spin texture inherited from the residual electronic remnant of TSS of the subunits, persisting on the “topologically” dark (0001) surface despite the absence of global protection. A conduction band minimum showing dichroism consistent with Rashba-type splitting is also observed, similar to the surface state on bulk . The close correspondence between our findings and those reported in identically terminated suggests that such residual-TSS derived Dirac states are a general feature of superlattices. The experimental–theoretical strategy demonstrated here offers a framework for exploring spin-textured states in engineered topological heterostructures.