Magnetic proximity effect and interlayer exchange coupling of ferromagnetic/topological insulator/ferromagnetic trilayer

Abstract

The magnetic proximity effect between the topological insulator (TI) and ferromagnetic insulator (FMI) is considered to have great potential in spintronics. However, a complete determination of interfacial magnetic structure has been highly challenging. We theoretically investigate the interlayer exchange coupling of two FMIs separated by a TI thin film, and show that the particular electronic states of the TI contributing to the proximity effect can be directly identified through the coupling behavior between two FMIs, together with a tunability of the coupling constant. Such an FMI/TI/FMI structure not only serves as a platform to clarify the magnetic structure of the FMI/TI interface, but also provides insights in designing the magnetic storage devices with ultrafast response.