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<i>Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy investigation of the antiferromagnetic topological insulator MnBi<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>4</sub></i>

ORAL

Abstract

The interplay of topology and magnetism within the same material can give rise to exotic electronic phases, such as the quantum anomalous Hall state and the axion insulator state. Recently discovered MnBi2Te4 is believed to be the first intrinsic antiferromagnetic topological insulator. Using low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, we study the surface of high-quality single crystals of MnBi2Te4. From STM topographs, we visualize the spatial distribution of accidental Mn substitutions in the topmost Te layer. Moreover, by imaging the scattering of electrons on the surface, we track the evolution of the electronic band structure and compare it with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments. Our measurements provide a nanoscale insight into the chemical inhomogeneity and the electronic structure of this novel system.

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Presenters

  • Hong Li

    Boston College

Authors

  • Hong Li

    Boston College

  • He Zhao

    Boston College

  • Chaowei Hu

    Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, Physics and Astronomy, UCLA, Physics and Astronomy, Univerisity of California, Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Physics and Astronomy and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Department of Physics and Astronomy and California Nano Systems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA, University of California Los Angeles

  • Scott Mackey

    Physics and Astronomy, UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles

  • Ziqiang Wang

    Boston College, Department of Physics, Boston College, Physics, Boston College

  • Ni Ni

    Univ of California Los Angeles, Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, Physics and Astronomy, UCLA, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Physics and Astronomy and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Department of Physics and Astronomy and California Nano Systems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA, University of California Los Angeles, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles

  • Ilija Zeljkovic

    Boston College, Boston college