Quantum Spin Hall Effect in Two-dimensional Crystals of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Abstract: We propose to engineer time-reversal-invariant topological insulators in two-dimensional (2D) crystals of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). We note that, at low doping, semiconducting TMDCs under shear strain will develop spin-polarized Landau levels residing in different valleys. We argue that gaps between Landau levels in the range of $10-100$ Kelvin are within experimental reach. In addition, we point out that a superlattice arising from a Moir\'e pattern can lead to topologically non-trivial subbands. As a result, the edge transport becomes quantized, which can be probed in multi-terminal devices made using strained 2D crystals and/or heterostructures. The strong $d$ character of valence and conduction bands may also allow for the investigation of the effects of electron correlations on the topological phases.