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Topological phase transition induced by magnetic proximity effect in two dimensions
Yijie Zeng1, Luyang Wang1, Song Li2
1State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Physics, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
Summary
We investigated the magnetic proximity effect in a CrI3/SnI3/CrI3 trilayer. The study reveals a topological phase transition driven by the interplay of magnetic proximity and spin-orbit coupling in two-dimensional topological insulators.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Phenomena
Background:
- Two-dimensional topological insulators exhibit unique electronic properties protected by time-reversal symmetry.
- The magnetic proximity effect can break time-reversal symmetry, potentially altering topological states.
- CrI3 and SnI3 are materials with interesting magnetic and topological properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the magnetic proximity effect on a two-dimensional topological insulator.
- To explore the role of spin-orbit coupling and magnetic stacking in determining topological properties.
- To identify conditions for topological phase transitions in CrI3/SnI3/CrI3 heterostructures.
Main Methods:
- First-principles calculations were employed to study the electronic structure.
- Symmetry analysis using irreducible representations of magnetic space groups was performed.
- An effective model was developed to analyze perturbations and phase transitions.
Main Results:
- The SnI3 monolayer exhibits Dirac cones, becoming a topological insulator with spin-orbit coupling.
- Ferromagnetic stacking of CrI3 protects Dirac points, while antiferromagnetic stacking gaps them.
- A topological phase transition between trivial and topological insulating states was observed.
Conclusions:
- The magnetic proximity effect in CrI3/SnI3/CrI3 heterostructures significantly influences topological properties.
- Competition between magnetic proximity effect and spin-orbit coupling drives topological phase transitions.
- This system offers a platform for exploring tunable topological states in 2D materials.
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