Single-Layer Magnet Phase in Intrinsic Magnetic Topological Insulators, [MnTe][Bi<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub>]<sub><i>n</i></sub>, Far beyond the Thermodynamic Limit.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 40080655.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c05860 and PMC identifier 12333432.
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Abstract
The intrinsic magnetic topological insulator (IMTI) family [MnTe][Bi<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub>]<sub><i>n</i></sub> has demonstrated magneto-topological properties dependent on <i>n</i>, making it a promising platform for advanced electronics and spintronics. However, due to technical barriers in sample synthesis, their properties in the large <i>n</i> limit remain unknown. To overcome this, we utilized the atomic layer-by-layer molecular beam epitaxy (ALL-MBE) technique and achieved IMTIs with <i>n</i> as large as 15, far beyond that previously reported in bulk crystals or thin films. Then, we discover that the "single-layer magnet (SLM)" phase, primarily determined by intralayer ferromagnetic coupling, emerges for <i>n</i> > ∼4 and remains little affected up to <i>n</i> = 15. Nonetheless, still, nonzero, interlayer ferromagnetic coupling is necessary to stabilize the SLM phase, suggesting that the SLM phase eventually disappears in the <i>n</i> → ∞ limit. This study uncovers the secrets of IMTIs beyond the thermodynamic limit and opens a door to diverse magneto-topological applications.