Emergent quantum transport due to quenched magnetic impurity scattering by antiferromagnetic proximity in SrCuO2/SrIrO3

Through an antiferromagnetic proximity effect, we demonstrate the evidence for quenched magnetic impurity scattering in a spin-orbit-coupled semimetal SrIrO3 proximitized with an antiferromagnetic SrCuO2 layer from quantum interference originated magnetoconductance study. Two distinct observations, i.e., (i) enhanced effective phase coherence length (l phi()) and (ii) emergence of chiral-anomaly-induced topological response in longitudinal magnetoconductance ((B) over right arrow|| (E) over right arrow), signify that the magnetic impurity scattering is suppressed in the SrCuO2/SrIrO3 bilayer. The quenching of magnetic impurity scattering is discussed in the framework of the antiferromagnetic proximity effect, which is originated from spin Andreev reflection at the SrCuO2/SrIrO3 interface. This work unfolds a practical means to circumvent the detrimental effect of unintended magnetic impurity scattering and preserve quantum phenomena in complex materials.

Automated summary

Through quantum interference originated magnetoconductance study, we provide evidence for quenched magnetic impurity scattering in an antiferromagnetic proximity effect. The observation of enhanced effective phase coherence length and the emergence of chiral-anomaly-induced topological response in longitudinal magnetoconductance indicate the suppression of magnetic impurity scattering in the SrCuO2/SrIrO3 bilayer. This work uncovers a practical means to circumvent unintended magnetic impurity scattering and preserve quantum phenomena in complex materials.