Topological insulators are a novel quantum state of matter that reveals their properties and shows exotic phenomena when combined with other phases. Hence, priority has been given to making a good quality topological insulator interface with other compounds. From the applications point of view, the topological insulator phase in perovskite structures could be important to provide the various heterostructure interfaces with multifunctional properties. Here, by performing a tight-binding analysis and first-principles calculations, we predict that cubic-based CsPbI${}_3$ and CsSnI${}_3$ perovskite compounds under reasonable hydrostatic pressure are feasible candidates for three-dimensional topological insulators. Combined with cubic symmetry, the spin and total angular momentum doublets forming the valence and conduction bands result in a prototype of a continuum model, representing three-dimensional isotropic Dirac fermions, and govern the topological phase transition in halide perovskite materials.

• Received 2 April 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.86.121102