Light-Induced Topological Phase Transition with Tunable Layer Hall Effect in Axion Antiferromagnets
Cong Zhou, Jian Zhou
Abstract
The intricate interplay between light and matter provides effective tools for manipulating topological phenomena. Here, we theoretically propose and computationally show that circularly polarized light holds the potential to transform the axion insulating phase into a quantum anomalous Hall state in MnBi 2 Te 4 thin films, featuring tunable Chern numbers (ranging up to ±2). In particular, we reveal the spatial rearrangement of the hidden layer-resolved anomalous Hall effect under light-driven Floquet engineering. Notably, upon Bi 2 Te 3 layer intercalation, the anomalous Hall conductance predominantly localizes in the nonmagnetic Bi 2 Te 3 layers that hold zero Berry curvature in the intact state, suggesting a significant magnetic proximity effect. Additionally, we estimate variations in the magneto-optical Kerr effect, giving a contactless method for detecting topological transitions. Our work not only presents a strategy to investigate emergent topological phases but also sheds light on the possible applications of the layer Hall effect in topological antiferromagnetic spintronics.