Topological Insulators-Based Magnetic Heterostructure

TL;DR

This review discusses the physical mechanisms, engineering strategies, and potential spintronics applications of magnetic topological insulator heterostructures, emphasizing their role in advancing topological quantum physics and room-temperature spintronic devices.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive summary of the physical mechanisms, structural engineering approaches, and application prospects of MTI heterostructures in spintronics.

Findings

Enhanced magnetic coupling through structural engineering

Effective interfacial interactions improve spin-orbit torque

Potential for room-temperature spintronic applications

Abstract

The combination of magnetism and topology in magnetic topological insulators (MTIs) has led to unprecedented advancements of time reversal symmetry-breaking topological quantum physics in the past decade. Compared with the uniform films, the MTI heterostructures provide a better framework to manipulate the spin-orbit coupling and spin properties. In this review, we summarize the fundamental mechanisms related to the physical orders host in (Bi,Sb)2(Te,Se)3-based hybrid systems. Besides, we provide an assessment on the general strategies to enhance the magnetic coupling and spin-orbit torque strength through different structural engineering approaches and effective interfacial interactions. Finally, we offer an outlook of MTI heterostructures-based spintronics applications, particularly in view of their feasibility to achieve room-temperature operation.