Anisotropic magnetotransport in the layered antiferromagnet TaFe$_{1.25}$Te$_3$

TL;DR

This study investigates the anisotropic magnetotransport properties of the layered antiferromagnet TaFe$_{1.25}$Te$_3$, revealing unique magnetic behaviors and potential for spintronic applications in low-dimensional antiferromagnetic materials.

Contribution

The paper provides the first detailed analysis of magnetoresistive anisotropy and spin-flop configurations in TaFe$_{1.25}$Te$_3$, a layered antiferromagnet, highlighting its potential for antiferromagnetic spintronics.

Findings

Anisotropic magnetic behavior with spin-flop configuration for out-of-plane fields.

Unusual anharmonic angle-dependent magnetoresistance.

Enhanced magnetoresistance when magnetic field is perpendicular to the (10-1) plane.

Abstract

The discovery of fascinating ways to control and manipulate antiferromagnetic materials have garnered considerable attention as an attractive platform to explore novel spintronic phenomena and functionalities. Layered antiferromagnets (AFMs) exhibiting interesting magnetic structures, can serve as an attractive starting point to establish novel functionalities down to the two-dimensional limit. In this work, we explore the magnetoresistive properties of the spin-ladder AFM TaFe$_{1.25}$Te$_3$. Magnetization studies reveal an anisotropic magnetic behavior resulting in the stabilization of a spin-flop configuration for H $\perp$ (10-1) plane (i.e., out-of-plane direction). Angle-dependent longitudinal and transverse magnetoresistances show an unusual anharmonic behavior. A significant anisotropic enhancement of magnetoresistance when H $\perp$ (10-1) plane compared to H $\parallel$ (10-1) directions has been observed. The present results deepen our understanding of the magnetoresistive properties of low-dimensional layered AFMs, and point towards the possibility of utilizing these novel material systems for antiferromagnetic spintronics.