Work

Spin-dependent transport through a Weyl semimetal surface

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: We experimentally compare two types of interface structures with magnetic and nonmagnetic Weyl semimetals. They are the junctions between a gold normal layer and magnetic Weyl semimetal ${\mathrm{Ti}}_{2}\mathrm{MnAl}$, and a ferromagnetic nickel layer and nonmagnetic Weyl semimetal ${\mathrm{WTe}}_{2}$, respectively. Due to the ferromagnetic side of the junction, we investigate spin-polarized transport through the Weyl semimetal surface. For both structures, we demonstrate similar current-voltage characteristics, with hysteresis at low currents and sharp peaks in differential resistance at high ones. Despite this behavior resembling the known current-induced magnetization dynamics in ferromagnetic structures, evolution of the resistance peaks with magnetic field is unusual. We connect the observed effects with current-induced spin dynamics in Weyl topological surface states.

Source: Physical review. B./Physical review. B

DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.101.155309

Authors: V. D. Esin, D. N. Borisenko, A. V. Timonina, N. N. Kolesnikov, E. V. Deviatov

Institutions: Russian Academy of Sciences, Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics RAS

Language: English

Topic: Topological Materials and Phenomena

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Russian Foundation for Basic Research, Russian Academy of Sciences

Award: G6920302551