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arXiv · 2407.00281

Distinguishing Surface and Bulk Electromagnetism via Their Dynamics in an Intrinsic Magnetic Topological Insulator

Khanh Duy Nguyen·Woojoo Lee·Jianchen Dang·Tongyao Wu·Gabriele Berruto·Chenhui Yan·Chi Ian Jess Ip·Haoran Lin·Qiang Gao·Seng Huat Lee·Binghai Yan·Chaoxing Liu·Zhiqiang Mao·Xiao-Xiao Zhang·Shuolong Yang
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Abstract

The indirect exchange interaction between local magnetic moments via surface electrons has been long predicted to bolster the surface ferromagnetism in magnetic topological insulators (MTIs), which facilitates the quantum anomalous Hall effect. This unconventional effect is critical to determining the operating temperatures of future topotronic devices. However, the experimental confirmation of this mechanism remains elusive, especially in intrinsic MTIs. Here we combine time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements to elucidate the unique electromagnetism at the surface of an intrinsic MTI MnBi2Te4. Theoretical modeling based on 2D Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interactions captures the initial quenching of a surface-rooted exchange gap within a factor of two but over-estimates the bulk demagnetization by one order of magnitude. This mechanism directly explains the sizable gap in the quasi-2D electronic state and the nonzero residual magnetization in even-layer MnBi2Te4. Furthermore, it leads to efficient light-induced demagnetization comparable to state-of-the-art magnetophotonic crystals, promising an effective manipulation of magnetism and topological orders for future topotronics.

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Khanh Duy Nguyen, Woojoo Lee, Jianchen Dang, Tongyao Wu, Gabriele Berruto, Chenhui Yan, Chi Ian Jess Ip, Haoran Lin, Qiang Gao, Seng Huat Lee, Binghai Yan, Chaoxing Liu, Zhiqiang Mao, Xiao-Xiao Zhang, Shuolong Yang. 2024-06-29. Distinguishing Surface and Bulk Electromagnetism via Their Dynamics in an Intrinsic Magnetic Topological Insulator. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn5696

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