Spin valve-like magnetoresistance of a topological insulator in proximity to a perpendicular magnet

ORAL

Abstract

Topological insulators (TIs) have a variety of unique transport properties, one of which is symmetry-protected surface states. Efforts have been made to control the surface states by symmetry breaking via proximity magnetization, which is typically achieved by placing a ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic insulator in direct contact with the TI. We report a spin valve-like magnetoresistance switching phenomena when the TI Bi2Se3 is in contact with a Co/Pt multilayer, which has a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The magnetoresistance is mostly isotropic, as evidenced by the resistance switching when either in-plane or out-of-plane magnetic fields are applied. This effect occurs at low temperatures, and the switching fields are incompatible with the behavior of Co/Pt. It appears the phenomenon is related to a magnetized TI surface and/or bulk states.

*This work is supported by NSF under DMR 17-10437 and DMR 17-20633 through the MRSEC program, and DARPA under ONR 14-17-1-3012.

Presenters

  • Junseok Oh

    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Authors

  • Junseok Oh

    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Vincent Humbert

    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Joseph Sklenar

    • Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Timothy Philip

    • Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Mark Hirsbrunner

    • Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Bora Basa

    • Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Matthew Gilbert

    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Nadya Mason

    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign