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Antiferromagnet-topological insulator heterostructure for polarization-controllable terahertz generation

Author

Listed:
  • Yu Cheng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Faran Zhou

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jing Teng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Peiyan Li

    (Beihang University
    Beihang University)

  • Litong Jiang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Piming Gong

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yongqing Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiaojun Wu

    (Beihang University
    Beihang University
    Zhangjiang Laboratory)

  • Franz X. Kärtner

    (Notkestraße 85)

  • Jimin Zhao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory)

Abstract

Antiferromagnets (AFMs) are more advantageous in realizing ultrafast spin-based processes, but remain challenging to manipulate. The lack of proper knobs in AFM-based ultrafast devices greatly hampers their applications. Here, we innovate an antiferromagnet/topological insulator (AFM/TI) heterostructure MnSe/(Bi,Sb)2Te3 to realize laser-induced transient magnetic moment, and further demonstrate optically controllable circularly polarized ultrafast terahertz (THz) pulse generation, under zero external magnetic field. Intriguingly, we find two mechanisms underlying the ultrafast THz pulse generation: direct magnetic dipole radiation and spin-charge conversion resulted electric dipole radiation. Our findings provide a suitable platform for efficient and polarization-controllable ultrafast THz devices via optical means.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu Cheng & Faran Zhou & Jing Teng & Peiyan Li & Litong Jiang & Piming Gong & Yongqing Li & Xiaojun Wu & Franz X. Kärtner & Jimin Zhao, 2025. "Antiferromagnet-topological insulator heterostructure for polarization-controllable terahertz generation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60060-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60060-5
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