Theory of quantum decoherence in macroscopic topological insulators
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arXiv
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Preprint |
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2026
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| _version_ | 1866918475867357184 |
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| author | Zhang, Xian-Peng Feng, Yan-Qing Feng, Wanxiang Yao, Yugui |
| author_facet | Zhang, Xian-Peng Feng, Yan-Qing Feng, Wanxiang Yao, Yugui |
| contents | Quantum decoherence-the loss of quantum coherence due to interactions with an environment-plays a central role in quantum transport, and controlling this ubiquitous yet inevitable phenomenon is essential for practical quantum technologies. Despite its importance, the microscopic mechanisms of decoherence in infinite-size topological insulators remain poorly understood. Here, we develop a comprehensive theory that quantitatively investigates how quantum decoherence shapes the quantum spin Hall effect in macroscopic topological insulators, and reveal that decoherence-induced corrections scale quadratically with impurity density. Besides, we uncover a previously unidentified mechanism of the extrinsic spin Hall effect: a second-order skew-scattering process intrinsically tied to quantum decoherence-fundamentally distinct from, yet substantially stronger than, the conventional third-order skew-scattering mechanism. Furthermore, we predict a new scaling law in which the decoherence-induced spin Hall conductivity scales quadratically with the longitudinal conductivity, providing a clear experimental signature of decoherence effects. Our results establish the essential role of decoherence in quantum transport of topological insulators and reveal that macroscopic topological insulators offer a promising platform for next-generation spintronic applications. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2604_27946 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Theory of quantum decoherence in macroscopic topological insulators Zhang, Xian-Peng Feng, Yan-Qing Feng, Wanxiang Yao, Yugui Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics Quantum decoherence-the loss of quantum coherence due to interactions with an environment-plays a central role in quantum transport, and controlling this ubiquitous yet inevitable phenomenon is essential for practical quantum technologies. Despite its importance, the microscopic mechanisms of decoherence in infinite-size topological insulators remain poorly understood. Here, we develop a comprehensive theory that quantitatively investigates how quantum decoherence shapes the quantum spin Hall effect in macroscopic topological insulators, and reveal that decoherence-induced corrections scale quadratically with impurity density. Besides, we uncover a previously unidentified mechanism of the extrinsic spin Hall effect: a second-order skew-scattering process intrinsically tied to quantum decoherence-fundamentally distinct from, yet substantially stronger than, the conventional third-order skew-scattering mechanism. Furthermore, we predict a new scaling law in which the decoherence-induced spin Hall conductivity scales quadratically with the longitudinal conductivity, providing a clear experimental signature of decoherence effects. Our results establish the essential role of decoherence in quantum transport of topological insulators and reveal that macroscopic topological insulators offer a promising platform for next-generation spintronic applications. |
| title | Theory of quantum decoherence in macroscopic topological insulators |
| topic | Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.27946 |