Tailoring Néel Orders in Layered Topological Antiferromagnet <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:msub> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>MnBi</mml:mi> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>2</mml:mn> </mml:

In the two-dimensional limit, the interplay between Néel order and band topology in van der Waals topological antiferromagnets can give rise to novel quantum phenomena in the quantum anomalous Hall state. However, because of the absence of net magnetization in antiferromagnets, probing the energetically degenerate Néel orders has long remained a significant challenge. In this Letter, we demonstrate deterministic control over the Néel orders in MnBi_{2}Te_{4} thin flakes through surface anisotropy engineering enabled by the AlO_{x} capping layer. By tuning the surface anisotropy, we uncover parity-dependent symmetry breaking states that manifest as distinct odd-even boundary architectures, including 180° domain walls or continuous spin structures. Comparative studies between AlO_{x}-capped and pristine odd-layer MnBi_{2}Te_{4} flakes using domain-resolved magnetic force microscopy reveal pronounced differences in coercivity and magnetization-reversal dynamics. Notably, an unconventional giant exchange bias, which arises from perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, has been discovered. Our findings establish a pathway for manipulating Néel order through surface modification in topological antiferromagnets.

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Publication Details

Journal
Physical Review Letters
Published
2025-11-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/pjrh-bqjf
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Topological Materials and Phenomena
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.25
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article

Tailoring Néel Orders in Layered Topological Antiferromagnet <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:msub> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>MnBi</mml:mi> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>2</mml:mn> </mml:

Karl J. Friston
1 citations
Physical Review Letters
Topological Materials and Phenomena
1.25
article

Tailoring Néel Orders in Layered Topological Antiferromagnet <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:msub> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>MnBi</mml:mi> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>2</mml:mn> </mml:

Karl J. Friston
article en
1 citations

Abstract

In the two-dimensional limit, the interplay between Néel order and band topology in van der Waals topological antiferromagnets can give rise to novel quantum phenomena in the quantum anomalous Hall state. However, because of the absence of net magnetization in antiferromagnets, probing the energetically degenerate Néel orders has long remained a significant challenge. In this Letter, we demonstrate deterministic control over the Néel orders in MnBi_{2}Te_{4} thin flakes through surface anisotropy engineering enabled by the AlO_{x} capping layer. By tuning the surface anisotropy, we uncover parity-dependent symmetry breaking states that manifest as distinct odd-even boundary architectures, including 180° domain walls or continuous spin structures. Comparative studies between AlO_{x}-capped and pristine odd-layer MnBi_{2}Te_{4} flakes using domain-resolved magnetic force microscopy reveal pronounced differences in coercivity and magnetization-reversal dynamics. Notably, an unconventional giant exchange bias, which arises from perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, has been discovered. Our findings establish a pathway for manipulating Néel order through surface modification in topological antiferromagnets.

Physical Review LettersVol. 135(26)
ShanghaiTech University (CN), Hefei University (CN), University of Oxford (GB), Renmin University of China (CN), Tsinghua University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
Topological Materials and Phenomena
1.25
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Tailoring Néel Orders in Layered Topological Antiferromagnet <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:msub> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>MnBi</mml:mi> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>2</mml:mn> </mml: — Karl J. Friston · Physical Review Letters (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS