2022/10/25 by Zujian Dai, Dai, Zujian, Gan Jin +3
Materials Science · Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #Magnetic and transport properties of perovskites and related materials #Magnetic properties of thin films #Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci) #Topological Materials and Phenomena
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2210.14009
openalex publication_date 2022/10/25 · openalex created_date 2022/11/01 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The antiferromagnetic (AFM) topological insulator MnBi2Te4 was believed to have a topological surface state (TSS) with large band gap due to the ferromagnetic (FM) order on the surface, and be able to host the long-sought axion states. However, recent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) experiments indicate that the TSS is gapless, contradicting the theoretical predictions. Meanwhile, several experiments have suggested that there is robust out-of-plane FM order on the surface of MnBi2Te4. To understand these seemingly contradictory results, we carry out comprehensive first-principles calculations to investigate the interplay between the surface magnetism and the TSS. Our calculations provide direct evidence that in a wide range of parameters, the (nearly) gapless TSS can coexist with the surface FM order, therefore solving the paradox of the surface magnetism and the gapless TSS. We further show that proximity effects can be a promising route to open the gap in the TSS of MnBi2Te4. Our research deepens the understanding of the relationship between surface magnetism and TSS.