290S/290K Quantum Materials Seminar speaker Dmitry Ovchinnikov (Univ. of Kansas) Wednesday, April 5 at 2 pm in Physics South 402

Time/Venue Wednesday, April 5 at 2 pm Pacific time in Physics South 402 in and via Zoom:
https://berkeley.zoom.us/j/99523499113pwd=REovb3pyam03WXQwbEhrU3dqNHZvdz09
Meeting ID: 995 2349 9113 Passcode: 600704
Host James Analytis
Title Van der Waals Topological Magnets and Circuits
Abstract: The breaking of time-reversal symmetry in topological insulators leads to novel quantum states of matter. One prominent example at the two-dimensional limit is the Chern insulator, which hosts dissipationless chiral edge states at sample boundaries. These chiral edge modes are perfect one-dimensional conductors whose chirality is defined by the material magnetization and in which backscattering is topologically forbidden. Recently, van der Waals topological magnet MnBi2Te4 emerged as a new solid-state platform for studies of the interplay between magnetism and topology. In this talk, I will present an overview of our progress toward controlling topological phase transitions and chiral edge modes in MnBi2Te4. First, I will establish how topological properties are intimately intertwined with magnetic states. I will then demonstrate electrical control of the number of chiral edge states. Finally, I will show the discovery of chiral edge modes along crystalline steps between regions of different thicknesses and how these modes can be harnessed for the engineering of simple topological circuits.