Tailoring the magnetic exchange interaction in MnBi2Te4 superlattices via the intercalation of ferromagnetic layers

Journal article

The intrinsic magnetic topological insulator MnBi₂Te₄ (MBT) provides a platform for the creation of exotic quantum phenomena. Novel properties can be created by modification of the MnBi₂Te₄ framework, but the design of stable magnetic structures remains challenging. Here we report ferromagnet-intercalated MnBi₂Te₄ superlattices with tunable magnetic exchange interactions. Using molecular beam epitaxy, we intercalate ferromagnetic MnTe layers into MnBi₂Te₄ to create [(MBT)(MnTe)_m]_N superlattices and examine their magnetic interaction properties using polarized neutron reflectometry and magnetoresistance measurements. Incorporation of the ferromagnetic spacer tunes the antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling of the MnBi₂Te₄ layers through the exchange-spring effect at MnBi₂Te₄/MnTe hetero-interfaces. The MnTe thickness can be used to modulate the relative strengths of the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic order, and the superlattice periodicity can tailor the spin configurations of the synthesized multilayers.

Authors: Chen, P; Yao, Q; Xu, J; Sun, Q; Grutter, AJ

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer Nature
• Journal: Nature Electronics
• Volume: 6
• Pages: 18-27
• Publication date: 2022-12-12
• Acceptance date: 2022-10-27
• DOI: 10.1038/s41928-022-00880-1
• EISSN: 2520-1131
• Language: English
• Keywords: FFR