We study various quantum transport phenomena in electronic systems in solids. In particular, we focus on thin film crystals and heterostructures of materials with non-trivial band structure topology and strong spin-orbit interactions, and study phenomena in which electronic correlation and/or geometrical phase play an important role. Through these studies, we aim to discover new quantum phenomena that will advance our understanding of condensed matter physics, and to explore electronic and spintronic functions using these phenomena, opening the door to new technologies.
Development of quantum resistance standard devices using magnetic topological insulators
Topological insulators are a group of materials that have insulating interiors and metallic surface states. In magnetic topological insulators doped with magnetic elements, the resistance perpendicular to the current (Hall resistance) becomes the quantum unit of electrical resistance, the von Klitzing constant (h/e2, where h is Planck’s constant and e is the elementary charge). This phenomenon known as the quantum anomalous Hall effect occurs even in the absence of an external magnetic field. Therefore, it is expected to work as a new type of quantum resistance standard that does not require a strong magnetic field.
In this study, we synthesized magnetic heterostructure films of topological insulators using molecular beam epitaxy. In collaboration with a research team of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, we measured the accuracy of the quantum anomalous Hall effect by using a small permanent magnet to align the magnetic domains. We found that the quantum anomalous Hall resistance has an accuracy of ten parts per billion, which is close to the level of the national metrology standard.
![(Left) Schematic illustration (Right) Graph](https://cems.riken.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/QAHRS.jpg)
(Left) Schematic illustration of the quantum anomalous Hall effect device with a small permanent magnet. (Right) Temperature dependence of the longitudinal (Rxx) and Hall (Ryx) resistance.