Light-induced dissipationless states in magnetic topological insulators with hexagonal warping

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that high-frequency linearly polarized light can suppress backscattering and dissipation in magnetic topological insulators with hexagonal warping, enabling ultra low-power spintronic applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to reduce backscattering in magnetic TIs using light, considering hexagonal warping effects, which was not previously explored.

Findings

Backscattering is suppressed by LPL in magnetic TIs.

Carrier mobility is enhanced under high-frequency LPL.

Resistance can be entirely reduced through this optical control.

Abstract

Magnetic impurities in topological insulators (TIs) induce backscattering via magnetic torque, unlike pristine TIs where spin-orbit locking promotes dissipationless surface states. Here we reveal that one can suppress that unwanted backscattering and dissipation in magnetic TIs using high-frequency linearly polarized light (LPL). By carefully considering the hexagonal warping of the Fermi surface of the TI, we demonstrate how the coupling between Dirac surface states and LPL can effectively reduce backscattering on magnetic dopants, enhance carrier mobility and suppress resistance, even entirely. These findings open up avenues for designing ultra low-power sensing and spintronic technology.