We formulate and apply a theory of electron-phonon interactions for the surface state of a strong topological insulator. Phonons are modelled using an isotropic elastic continuum theory with stress-free boundary conditions and interact with the Dirac surface fermions via the deformation potential. We discuss the temperature dependence of the quasi-particle lifetime in photoemission and of the surface resistivity.
@article{arxiv.1103.0178,
title = {Electron-phonon scattering in topological insulators},
author = {Sébastien Giraud and Reinhold Egger},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1103.0178},
year = {2011}
}