Magnetic Topological Insulator Heterostructures: A Review

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Topological insulators (TIs) possess unique electronic properties beneficial for spintronics.
• Magnetic doping in TIs can induce quantum phenomena but often requires low temperatures.
• Proximity coupling offers an alternative route to achieve magnetic order in TIs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of proximity coupling and interfacial effects in topological insulator heterostructures.
• To explore versatile materials platforms for tuning magnetic and topological properties of TIs.
• To discuss emerging heterostructures for novel quantum phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Heterostructure growth via molecular beam epitaxy.
• Structural, electronic, and magnetic characterization techniques.
• Review of existing literature on TI heterostructures.

Main Results:

• Proximity coupling in TI heterostructures is a versatile platform for tuning properties.
• Examples include rare-earth-doped TIs, magnetic insulators, and antiferromagnets.
• Exotic phenomena like skyrmions and exchange bias are observed.

Conclusions:

• TI heterostructures are promising for realizing advanced spintronic applications.
• Further research into novel heterostructures like intrinsic magnetic TIs and 2D material integration is warranted.
• Proximity coupling offers a pathway to higher operational temperatures for quantum effects.