Magneto-transport study of the topological insulator Bi$_{2}$Te$_{3}$

Topological insulators are electronic materials that have a bulk band gap like an ordinary insulator, but have protected surface or edge states. Many materials have been realized as topological insulators, including the HgTe/CdTe superlattice, Bi$_{1-x}$Sb$_{x}$, Bi$_{2}$Se$_{3}$, Sb$_{2}$Te$_{3}$ and Bi$_{2}$Te$_{3}$. Topological insulators are interesting not only because of their fundamental importance but also their great potential for future applications. Here, we examine the magneto-transport properties of exfoliated Bi$_{2}$Te$_{3}$ specimens prepared from Bi$_{2}$Te$_{3}$ single crystals using the scotch tape method. Indium and silver paint contacts were applied to the exfoliated specimens and magneto-transport was examined at liquid helium temperatures at moderate magnetic fields. The results of these experiments will be described here within the context of the ongoing interest in topological insulators.