Nanoscale synthesis and characterization of heterostructures coupling antiferromagnetic MnTe and topological insulator Bi2Te3

Bulk MnTe experiences a transition to an antiferromagnetic phase below ~307 K. As the search for topological materials with underlying magnetic ordering continues, MnTe coupled to a topological insulator could be a promising constituent of superlattice heterostructures that feature both magnetic ordering and topological phases of matter. Here, we use molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) to grow MnTe films, and bilayers of MnTe and prototypical topological insulator Bi2Te3. We characterize their structural properties using in-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). We further study the electronic properties of these films using scanning tunneling spectroscopy, magnetization and transport measurements. Our experiments aim to advance the understanding of the interplay between magnetically ordered and topological states of matter.