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Light-Driven Topological and Magnetic Phase Transitions in Thin Layer Antiferromagnets
Martin Rodriguez-Vega1, Ze-Xun Lin2,3, Aritz Leonardo4,5
1Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, United States.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|May 4, 2022
Summary
This study shows that intense light pulses can induce non-equilibrium magneto-topological phase transitions in two-septuple layer (2-SL) MnBi2Te4 and MnSb2Te4. These transitions involve changes in magnetic order and topological band structure, potentially aided by material disorder.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Quantum Materials
Background:
- Two-septuple layer (2-SL) MnBi2Te4 (MBT) and MnSb2Te4 (MST) are magnetic topological materials with an antiferromagnetic ground state.
- These materials exhibit distinct magnetic exchange interactions despite shared symmetry properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically investigate the impact of low-frequency light pulses on the topological and magnetic properties of 2-SL MBT and MST.
- To explore the potential for inducing non-equilibrium magneto-topological phase transitions.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical study of light-matter interactions in 2-SL MBT and MST.
- Analysis of nonlinear interactions between photoexcited infrared phonons and Raman phonons (shear and breathing).
- Investigation of the role of antisite disorder in facilitating the observed effects.
Main Results:
- Intense laser pulses can excite specific phonon modes via nonlinear optical effects.
- Light-induced transient lattice distortions alter the interlayer exchange interaction and magnetic order.
- A topological band transition occurs concurrently with the magnetic changes.
- Antisite disorder can enhance the light-induced magneto-topological transitions.
Conclusions:
- 2-SL MBT and MST are promising platforms for realizing non-equilibrium magneto-topological phase transitions.
- Light-induced control over magnetic and topological states is achievable in these materials.
- The findings open avenues for novel quantum device applications based on dynamic control of material properties.
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