Creation of chiral interface channels for quantized transport in magnetic topological insulator multilayer heterostructures

Yi-Fan Zhao, Ruoxi Zhang, Jiaqi Cai, Deyi Zhuo, Ling-Jie Zhou, Zi-Jie Yan, Moses H. W. Chan, Xiaodong Xu and Cui-Zu Chang ()
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Yi-Fan Zhao: The Pennsylvania State University
Ruoxi Zhang: The Pennsylvania State University
Jiaqi Cai: University of Washington
Deyi Zhuo: The Pennsylvania State University
Ling-Jie Zhou: The Pennsylvania State University
Zi-Jie Yan: The Pennsylvania State University
Moses H. W. Chan: The Pennsylvania State University
Xiaodong Xu: University of Washington
Cui-Zu Chang: The Pennsylvania State University

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract One-dimensional chiral interface channels can be created at the boundary of two quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators with different Chern numbers. Such a QAH junction may function as a chiral edge current distributer at zero magnetic field, but its realization remains challenging. Here, by employing an in-situ mechanical mask, we use molecular beam epitaxy to synthesize QAH insulator junctions, in which two QAH insulators with different Chern numbers are connected along a one-dimensional junction. For the junction between Chern numbers of 1 and −1, we observe quantized transport and demonstrate the appearance of the two parallel propagating chiral interface channels along the magnetic domain wall at zero magnetic field. For the junction between Chern numbers of 1 and 2, our quantized transport shows that a single chiral interface channel appears at the interface. Our work lays the foundation for the development of QAH insulator-based electronic and spintronic devices and topological chiral networks.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36488-y

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