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

We propose to engineer time-reversal-invariant topological insulators in two-dimensional 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 K are within experimental reach. In addition, we point out that a superlattice arising from a moire pattern can lead to topologically nontrivial subbands. As a result, the edge transport becomes quantized, which can be probed in multiterminal 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.