A strong magnetic field can permanently rewire the magnetic identity of a crystal during its formation.
Materials usually have a set ground state determined by their chemical structure. These MnBi2Te4 crystals were grown within a strong magnetic field, which forced them into a ferromagnetic state. Even after the field is removed, the crystal retains this new identity rather than reverting to its natural antiferromagnetic state. This magnetic-field-assisted synthesis allows scientists to create entirely new phases of matter that don't exist in nature. It provides a way to custom-build materials for more efficient computer memory and quantum devices.
Metastable MnBi$_2$Te$_4$ enabled by magnetic-field-assisted synthesis
arXiv · 2605.02119
Magnetic topological insulators provide a unique platform to explore the interplay between magnetism and topology. MnBi$_2$Te$_4$, known for its A-type antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground state, undergoes a striking transformation when single crystals are grown in an applied magnetic field. Despite retaining the same crystal structure, field-grown MnBi$_2$Te$_4$ exhibits a ferromagnetic (FM) ground state with a Curie temperature of $\sim$ 12.5 K, confirmed by magnetization, magnetic torque, electrica