Magnetic proximity effects in topological insulator heterostructures: Implementation and characterization

Published

September 14, 2021

Author(s)

Alexander Grutter, Q. L. He

Abstract

In this progress report, we examine recent efforts towards the introduction of magnetic order into topologically nontrivial systems through magnetic proximity effects, with a particular emphasis on the methods of characterizing magnetization induced at the interface. We focus on the challenges associated with comparing magneto-transport measurements with magnetic scattering and spectroscopy techniques, considering the limitations and potential artifacts associated with topological insulator heterostructures. Taking the (Bi,Sb)₂(Se,Te)₃ family of three-dimensional topological insulators as an example, we discuss the results associated with a wide range of magnetically ordered reservoirs and highlight the wide discrepancies in reported magnetic proximity effect strengths detected using different characterization techniques. Finally, we discuss the outlook of magnetic proximity effects in topological insulator heterostructures as a route towards a higher-temperature quantum anomalous Hall effect.

Citation

Physical Review Materials

Volume

5

Issue

9

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevmaterials.5.090301

Local Download

Keywords

Magnetism, Topology, Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect, Proximity, Interface

Citation

Grutter, A. and He, Q. (2021), Magnetic proximity effects in topological insulator heterostructures: Implementation and characterization, Physical Review Materials, [online], https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevmaterials.5.090301, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=932878 (Accessed October 21, 2025)