Topological current divider in a Chern insulator junction

Dmitry Ovchinnikov, Jiaqi Cai, Zhong Lin, Zaiyao Fei, Zhaoyu Liu, Yong Tao Cui, David H. Cobden, Jiun Haw Chu, Cui Zu Chang, Di Xiao, Jiaqiang Yan, Xiaodong Xu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A Chern insulator is a two-dimensional material that hosts chiral edge states produced by the combination of topology with time reversal symmetry breaking. Such edge states are perfect one-dimensional conductors, which may exist not only on sample edges, but on any boundary between two materials with distinct topological invariants (or Chern numbers). Engineering of such interfaces is highly desirable due to emerging opportunities of using topological edge states for energy-efficient information transmission. Here, we report a chiral edge-current divider based on Chern insulator junctions formed within the layered topological magnet MnBi2Te4. We find that in a device containing a boundary between regions of different thickness, topological domains with different Chern numbers can coexist. At the domain boundary, a Chern insulator junction forms, where we identify a chiral edge mode along the junction interface. We use this to construct topological circuits in which the chiral edge current can be split, rerouted, or switched off by controlling the Chern numbers of the individual domains. Our results demonstrate MnBi2Te4 as an emerging platform for topological circuits design.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number5967
JournalNature communications
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
  • General
  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Topological current divider in a Chern insulator junction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this