Tunable exchange bias in the magnetic Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2

Exchange bias is a phenomenon critical to solid-state technologies that require spin valves or nonvolatile magnetic memory. The phenomenon is usually studied in the context of magnetic interfaces between antiferromagnets and ferromagnets, where the exchange field of the former acts as a means to pin the polarization of the latter. In the present study, we report an unusual instance of this phenomenon in the topological Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2, where the magnetic interfaces associated with domain walls suffice to bias the entire ferromagnetic bulk. Remarkably, our data suggest the presence of a hidden order parameter whose behavior can be independently tuned by applied magnetic fields. For micron-size samples, the domain walls are absent, and the exchange bias vanishes, suggesting the boundaries are a source of pinned uncompensated moment arising from the hidden order. This mechanism suggests that exciting opportunities lie ahead for the application of topological materials in spintronic technologies.

Automated summary

Exchange bias phenomenon is observed in the topological Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2, where magnetic interfaces associated with domain walls bias the entire ferromagnetic bulk. Data suggests the presence of a hidden order parameter that can be independently tuned by applied magnetic fields. In micron-sized samples, the absence of domain walls leads to the vanishing of exchange bias, suggesting the boundaries are a source of pinned uncompensated moment arising from the hidden order.