Inverse spin-galvanic effect in the interface between a topological insulator and a ferromagnet

When a ferromagnet is deposited on the surface of a topological insulator the topologically protected surface state develops a gap and becomes a two-dimensional quantum Hall liquid. We demonstrate that the Hall current in such a liquid, induced by an external electric field, can have a dramatic effe...

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Veröffentlicht in:Physical review letters 2010-04, Vol.104 (14), p.146802-146802, Article 146802
Hauptverfasser: Garate, Ion, Franz, M
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:When a ferromagnet is deposited on the surface of a topological insulator the topologically protected surface state develops a gap and becomes a two-dimensional quantum Hall liquid. We demonstrate that the Hall current in such a liquid, induced by an external electric field, can have a dramatic effect on the magnetization dynamics of the ferromagnet by changing the effective anisotropy field. This change is dissipationless and may be substantial even in weakly spin-orbit coupled ferromagnets. We study the possibility of dissipationless current-induced magnetization reversal in monolayer-thin, insulating ferromagnets with a soft perpendicular anisotropy and discuss possible applications of this effect.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.104.146802