Topology-engineered orbital Hall effect in two-dimensional ferromagnets

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how topological phase transitions in two-dimensional ferromagnets can be used to engineer the orbital Hall effect, with potential applications in topological spintronics and orbitronics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of controlling the orbital Hall effect through topological phase transitions in 2D ferromagnets, supported by first-principles calculations.

Findings

Topological phase transitions enable control of OAM distribution.

Janus RuBrCl and MnBi2Te4 layers are feasible examples.

Engineered OHE can advance topological spintronics and orbitronics.

Abstract

Recent advances in manipulation of orbital angular momentum (OAM) within the paradigm of orbitronics present a promising avenue for the design of future electronic devices. In this context, the recently observed orbital Hall effect (OHE) occupies a special place. Here, focusing on both the second-order topological and quantum anomalous Hall insulators in two-dimensional ferromagnets, we demonstrate that topological phase transitions present an efficient and straightforward way to engineer the OHE, where the OAM distribution can be controlled by the nature of the band inversion. Using first-principles calculations, we identify Janus RuBrCl and three septuple layers of MnBi$_2$Te$_4$ as experimentally feasible examples of the proposed mechanism of OHE engineering by topology. With our work we open up new possibilities for innovative applications in topological spintronics and orbitronics.