Pb₀.₆₀Sn₀.₄₀Te – Linking Ferroelectricity with Topological Order

In this work, we investigated the topological crystalline insulator (TCI) Pb₀.₆₀Sn₀.₄₀Te, a remarkable compound that bridges ferroelectric distortion and quantum topology.
Through precise Nernst effect measurements, we provided direct experimental evidence of ferroelectric distortion within this TCI phase.
Complementary techniques — including quantum oscillations, Raman spectroscopy, and synchrotron X-ray analysis — revealed the emergence of two nontrivial Fermi pockets and a structural phase transition below 50 K.
These findings highlight how ferroelectric lattice distortions can be used to tune topological quantum states, opening exciting opportunities for next-generation quantum and thermoelectric materials research.

To read the full research article, visit:
“Evidence of Ferroelectric Distortions in Topological Crystalline Insulators via Transverse Thermoelectric Measurements”
Pranav Negi, Bin He, Denis Ukolov, Sharona Horta, Krishnendu Maji, Ning Mao, Nikolai Peshcherenko, Premakumar Yanda, Mengyu Yao, Moinak Dutta, Iñigo Robredo, Mikel Iraola, Maia G. Vergniory, Peter Lemmens, Yang Zhang, Chandra Shekhar, Maria Ibáñez, Claudia Felser, Subhajit Roychowdhury
Published in Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 147, Issue 22, May 22, 2025