Topological edge states directly observed in an organic supramolecular structure

An organic structure combining honeycomb and kagome properties

NIMS, together with collaborators including Toyota National College of Technology, Saga University, Nara Women's University and Kiel University, says it fabricated an organic two-dimensional structure with characteristics of both honeycomb and kagome lattices. The release says scanning tunneling microscope images showed topological edge states at the structure's edges.

According to the release, topological-material synthesis had mainly focused on inorganic materials because making strong electronic connections between organic molecules is difficult.

The team reports that an organic supramolecular assembly has provided a two-dimensional platform with honeycomb- and kagome-lattice characteristics in which topological edge states were directly observed.

If confirmed, the result would demonstrate a route to quantum-material design using supramolecular organic molecules, whose structures can be designed flexibly but are difficult to couple strongly electronically.