Nonreciprocal Transport in a Bilayer of MnBi2Te4 and Pt

MnBi2Te4 (MBT) is the first intrinsic magnetic topological insulator with the interaction of spin-momentum locked surface electrons and intrinsic magnetism, and it exhibits novel magnetic and topological phenomena. Recent studies suggested that the interaction of electrons and magnetism can be affected by the Mn-doped Bi2Te3 phase at the surface due to inevitable structural defects. Here, we report an observation of nonreciprocal transport, that is, current-direction-dependent resistance, in a bilayer composed of antiferromagnetic MBT and nonmagnetic Pt. The emergence of the nonreciprocal response below the Neel temperature confirms a correlation between nonreciprocity and intrinsic magnetism in the surface state of MBT. The angular dependence of the nonreciprocal transport indicates that nonreciprocal response originates from the asymmetry scattering of electrons at the surface of MBT mediated by magnon. Our work provides an insight into nonreciprocity arising from the correlation between magnetism and Dirac surface electrons in intrinsic magnetic topological insulators.

Automated summary

MnBi2Te4 is the first intrinsic magnetic topological insulator that exhibits novel magnetic and topological phenomena. Recent studies have found that the interaction between electrons and magnetism can be influenced by Mn-doped Bi2Te3 on the surface. In this work, we observe nonreciprocal transport in a bilayer of antiferromagnetic MBT and nonmagnetic Pt, confirming a correlation between nonreciprocity and intrinsic magnetism in the surface state of MBT.