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Abstract One-dimensional chiral interface channels can be created at the boundary of two quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators with different Chern numbers. Such a QAH junction may function as a chiral edge current distributer at zero magnetic field, but its realization remains challenging. Here, by employing an in-situ mechanical mask, we use molecular beam epitaxy to synthesize QAH insulator junctions, in which two QAH insulators with different Chern numbers are connected along a one-dimensional junction. For the junction between Chern numbers of 1 and −1, we observe quantized transport and demonstrate the appearance of the two parallel propagating chiral interface channels along the magnetic domain wall at zero magnetic field. For the junction between Chern numbers of 1 and 2, our quantized transport shows that a single chiral interface channel appears at the interface. Our work lays the foundation for the development of QAH insulator-based electronic and spintronic devices and topological chiral networks.
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Evidence for one-dimensional chiral edge states in a magnetic Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2
Abstract The physical realization of Chern insulators is of fundamental and practical interest, as they are predicted to host the quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect and topologically protected chiral edge states which can carry dissipationless current. Current realizations of the QAH state often require complex heterostructures and sub-Kelvin temperatures, making the discovery of intrinsic, high temperature QAH systems of significant interest. In this work we show that time-reversal symmetry breaking Weyl semimetals, being essentially stacks of Chern insulators with inter-layer coupling, may provide a new platform for the higher temperature realization of robust chiral edge states. We present combined scanning tunneling spectroscopy and theoretical investigations of the magnetic Weyl semimetal, Co3Sn2S2. Using modeling and numerical simulations we find that depending on the strength of the interlayer coupling, chiral edge states can be localized on partially exposed kagome planes on the surfaces of a Weyl semimetal. Correspondingly, our dI/dVmaps on the kagome Co3Sn terraces show topological states confined to the edges which display linear dispersion. This work provides a new paradigm for realizing chiral edge modes and provides a pathway for the realization of higher temperature QAH effect in magnetic Weyl systems in the two-dimensional limit.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1720633
- PAR ID:
- 10274827
- Publisher / Repository:
- Nature Publishing Group
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Nature Communications
- Volume:
- 12
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2041-1723
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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