Tuning topological phase and Dirac point position via Pb and Sb substitution in Mn$_{1-x}$Pb$_{x}$(Bi$_{1-y}$Sb$_{y}$)$_{2}$Te$_{4}$

Abstract

This study presents a systematic investigation of Mn$_{1-x}$Pb$_{x}$(Bi$_{1-y}$Sb$_{y}$)$_{2}$Te$_{4}$ crystals over a wide range of concentrations (x = 10-60%, y = 5-60%). It was found that the value of the bulk band gap is determined exclusively by the Pb concentration and it closes at Pb 40-50 %, which corresponds to a topological phase transition. The position of the Dirac point is determined by the Pb/Sb ratio, rather than the absolute Sb content. The magnetic properties depend on the dilution of the Mn sublattice by Pb and are weakly sensitive to Sb. We show that the simultaneous substitution of Mn and Bi allows independent control of the topological phase and the position of the Fermi level.