A groundbreaking discovery in the field of quantum materials has revealed a novel method for manipulating electronic properties in magnetic Weyl semimetals through hydrogen ion integration. Led by Professor Lia Krusin-Elbaum at The City College of New York, researchers have successfully demonstrated how hydrogen cations (H⁺) can be used to control and enhance the chirality of electron transport in these sophisticated materials.
The research focuses on MnSb2Te4, a magnetic Weyl semimetal where electrons behave as massless particles called Weyl fermions. These particles exhibit a unique property known as chirality, which creates an intrinsic connection between their spin and momentum. Through precise manipulation using hydrogen ions, the team has shown that they can effectively tune and reshape the material’s Weyl nodes, which are crucial energy features that determine its electronic properties.
Published in Nature Communications under the title “Transport chirality generated by a tunable tilt of Weyl nodes in a van der Waals topological magnet,” this research presents significant implications for quantum computing and nano-spintronics. The study demonstrates that the introduction of H+ ions serves multiple purposes: it repairs Mn-Te bond disorder, reduces internode scattering, and creates a distinctive environment where electrical charges respond differently to clockwise versus counterclockwise rotation of in-plane magnetic fields.
The modification process yields several remarkable improvements in the material’s properties. The team observed a doubling of the Curie temperature and the emergence of a strong angular transport chirality. This chirality manifests in conjunction with a rare field-antisymmetric longitudinal resistance, effectively creating a low-field tunable ‘chiral switch.’ This phenomenon arises from the complex interplay between topological Berry curvature, chiral anomaly, and the hydrogen-mediated configuration of Weyl nodes.
The research conducted in the Krusin Lab employs angularly-resolved electrical transport measurements to verify these effects. The results demonstrate the creation of desirable low-dissipation currents, which are crucial for energy-efficient quantum applications. This advancement represents a significant step toward expanding the realm of designer topological quantum materials beyond conventional limitations.
Professor Krusin-Elbaum emphasizes that this technique opens new possibilities for exploring and harnessing topological phases with remarkable macroscopic behaviors. The approach is particularly promising because it demonstrates how light elements like hydrogen can be used to tune topological bandstructures through defect-related pathways, potentially revolutionizing future quantum device implementations based on chirality.
The broader research program at the Krusin Lab encompasses several related quantum phenomena. These include the Quantum Anomalous Hall (QAH) effect, which enables dissipationless current flow in discrete surface channels of insulators, two-dimensional superconductivity, and axion state phenomena featuring quantized thermal transport. Each of these areas holds significant potential for advancing energy-efficient technologies if successfully industrialized.
The versatility of this technique suggests far-reaching implications for the field of quantum electronics. The researchers note that their demonstrated method is highly generalizable, indicating potential applications across various materials and systems. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the capabilities of intrinsic topological magnets in future quantum electronic applications.
The research represents a crucial step forward in the development of quantum materials with controllable properties. By demonstrating the ability to manipulate electronic bandstructures with precision using hydrogen ions, this work opens new avenues for the design and implementation of quantum devices. The potential applications span from advanced computing systems to energy-efficient electronic components, marking a significant advancement in the field of quantum materials science.
Reference: “Transport chirality generated by a tunable tilt of Weyl nodes in a van der Waals topological magnet” by Afrin N. Tamanna, Ayesha Lakra, Xiaxin Ding, Entela Buzi, Kyungwha Park, Kamil Sobczak, Haiming Deng, Gargee Sharma, Sumanta Tewari and Lia Krusin-Elbaum, 13 November 2024, Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53319-w
