Axion, first postulated as a hypothetical particle in high-energy physics, is now extended to describe a novel topological magnetoelectric effect derived from the Chern–Simons theory in condensed matter systems. The recent discovered intrinsic magnetic topological insulators (MTIs) MnBi2Te4 and its derivatives have attracted great attention because of their potential as a material platform to realize such a quantized axion field. Since the magnetic exchange gap can bring the “half-quantized” anomalous Hall effect at the surface, an axion insulator manifests as quantum anomalous Hall and zero Hall plateau effects in the thin films. However, many puzzles about this material family remain elusive yet, such as the gapless surface state and the direct experimental evidence of the axion insulator. In this Perspective, we discuss the preconditions, manifestations, and signatures of the axion-insulator phase, in the context of the development of the natural magnetic topological heterostructure MnBi2Te4(Bi2Te3)n family with various intriguing quantum phenomena. Recent theoretical and experimental efforts regarding the intrinsic magnetic topological insulators are summarized here to pave the way for this phenomenally developing field.
Skip Nav Destination
Routes to realize the axion-insulator phase in MnBi2Te4(Bi2Te3)n family
Article navigation
9 August 2021
Research Article|
August 10 2021
Routes to realize the axion-insulator phase in MnBi2Te4(Bi2Te3)n family
Yufei Zhao
;
Yufei Zhao
1
Shenzhen Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering (SIQSE) and Department of Physics, Southern University of Science and Technology
, Shenzhen 518055, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Qihang Liu
Qihang Liu
a)
1
Shenzhen Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering (SIQSE) and Department of Physics, Southern University of Science and Technology
, Shenzhen 518055, China
2
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Computational Science and Material Design, Southern University of Science and Technology
, Shenzhen 518055, China
3
Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Quantum Functional Materials and Devices, Southern University of Science and Technology
, Shenzhen 518055, China
a)Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: liuqh@sustech.edu.cn
Search for other works by this author on:
a)Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: liuqh@sustech.edu.cn
Appl. Phys. Lett. 119, 060502 (2021)
Article history
Received:
June 09 2021
Accepted:
July 27 2021
Citation
Yufei Zhao, Qihang Liu; Routes to realize the axion-insulator phase in MnBi2Te4(Bi2Te3)n family. Appl. Phys. Lett. 9 August 2021; 119 (6): 060502. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0059447
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Sign In
You could not be signed in. Please check your credentials and make sure you have an active account and try again.
Sign in via your Institution
Sign in via your InstitutionPay-Per-View Access
$40.00