and index induced topological surface states in 1144-type iron-based compounds
Phys. Rev. B 112, 045102 – Published 1 July, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/w1xv-zj1n
Abstract
Recently, it was proposed that a nontrivial topological index could induce double topological insulator (TI) surface states on the (001) surface of (LBFA). Here, we carry out a comprehensive investigation of the electronic structure, topological index, and topological surface states of other 1144-type iron-based compounds. We find that the coexistence of double band inversions in leads to a nontrivial topological index and two sets of TI surface states on the (001) surface, similar to LBFA. On the other hand, when Ba is substituted by Ca, K, Rb, or Cs, the system is characterized by a nontrivial topological index and exhibits only one set of TI surface states on the (001) surface. Further analysis shows that both the lattice parameter and the nominal valence of the alkali or alkaline earth metal atom are crucial in determining the bandwidth of La , topological index, and topological surface states. Moreover, we substitute La with Lu and Hf in LBFA and find that they also have a nontrivial topological index. However, only one set of the double TI surface states is clearly visible on the (001) surface, whereas the other set is difficult to identify due to a different mechanism of the band inversion between As and Fe bands. Our findings extend previous studies on and provide insights for manipulating the topological index or and topological surface states in iron-based compounds.