![]() ![]() The second is to create an intrinsic magnetic TI by inserting a layer of magnetic ions into the material, such as manganese-bismuth-tellurium (MnBi2Te4) and manganese-antimony-tellurium (MnSb2Te4). The first is to introduce dilute amounts of magnetic ions, such as manganese-doped bismuth telluride or antimony telluride. There are two ways that scientists introduce magnetism into a TI. The opposing magnetic forces decrease the overall magnetism of the material. Antiferromagnetism is when some of the ions spontaneously align with neighboring ions. However, the team also discovered that TIs are susceptible to antiferromagnetic interactions when defects are introduced. ![]() Ferromagnetism is when all of the magnetic moments in the material spontaneously align in the same direction. You have to find this unique situation where the electronic bands are knotted up.” He further explained that applying a magnetic field to a TI turns the surface into a unique two-dimensional insulator, while the very edges of the surface remain metallic.Īn important goal is to obtain a ferromagnetic TI. This quality means that they have the potential to reduce future energy footprints for computing and electricity transmission.Īccording to Rob McQueeney, a scientist from Ames Lab and a member of the research team, “Finding topological insulators is not so easy. By introducing magnetism, TIs can transmit electrical currents from one point to another without any heat generation or energy loss. However, because of their unique electronic band structure, they conduct electricity on the surface under the right conditions. Topological insulators (TIs) as their name indicates, are insulators. Despite this material’s ferromagnetism, the team discovered strong antiferromagnetic interactions between some pairs of magnetic defects that play a key role in several families of magnetic topological insulators. Scientists from the Department of Energy’s Ames National Laboratory made an intriguing discovery while conducting experiments to characterize magnetism in a material known as a dilute magnetic topological insulator where magnetic defects are introduced. This research is featured in Advanced Materials. ![]()
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