Electrothermal Manipulation of Current-Induced Phase Transitions in Ferrimagnetic Mn_{3}Si_{2}Te_{6}

Phase transitions driven by external parameters are fundamental to condensed matter physics, providing critical insights into symmetry breaking and emergent phenomena. Recently, ferrimagnetic Mn_{3}Si_{2}Te_{6} has attracted considerable attention for its magnetic-field-induced insulator-metal transitions and current-driven phase transitions, but the role of applied currents in the magnetic phase remains poorly understood. Here, we employ local magnetization probes and time-resolved transport measurements to investigate the current-induced phase transitions. Magnetic force microscopy with controlled current flow reveals the evolution of ferrimagnetic domains and a first-order-like magnetic phase transition with an abrupt voltage jump. The measurements with rectangular pulsed currents reveal that the time evolution of resistance closely mirrors the resistance-temperature profile, highlighting the role of heat accumulation and a positive-feedback mechanism in the current-induced phase transitions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the intrinsic current-voltage characteristics adhere to Ohm's law, displaying linearity across various magnetic fields and temperatures. Our work advocates for a cautious approach in distinguishing between genuine current-induced nonequilibrium quantum states and thermal effects.