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TopoTin project

Research objective

In the TopoTin project, we will study the electronic band structure of thin-film materials consisting of tin (Sn) and iron (Fe). Such compounds are magnetic and at the same time exhibit interesting electronic structures, including those containing Dirac cones. In the project, we will prepare thin-film FexSny samples using the molecular beam epitaxy method, which allows the deposition of ultrathin layers of crystalline materials with well-controlled thickness, up to single atomic layers. We will characterize the magnetic properties of the films prepared in this way and visualize their electronic band structure using the experimental method of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy.

The experimental research will be accompanied by theoretical calculations of the electronic structure. FexSny samples are layered materials consisting of single layers of tin atoms (stanene, which is an equivalent of graphene) and a layer composed of iron and tin atoms placed on the so-called Kagome’s network, composed of hexagons surrounded by equilateral triangles. During the project, we will also create new crystals by sequentially depositing stanene layers and a Kagome layer in a specific order. In this way, we will be able to create thin films with new, unexpected and potentially useful  magnetic and electronic properties.

Topotin research team

  • Dr Ewa Młyńczak – principal investigator
  • Ardra Surendran K.P. (PhD student)
  • Smibin Shaju (PhD student)
  • Dr Ewa Madej (contractor)
  • Dr Dorota Wilgocka – Ślęzak (contractor)

Conferences / Presentations

  • E. Młyńczak et al. Seminar of the Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, 03.12.2024, “Electronic properties of the epitaxial thin films of a kagome ferromagnet Fe3Sn2
  • E. Młyńczak et al.  Seminar of the Institute of Experimental Physics, University of Wrocław, Wrocław 8.11.2024, “Growth, structural and electronic properties of ultrathin Sn deposited on Pt(111)“
  • E. Młyńczak et. al., Joint Meeting of PSRS Members Meeting and Solaris Center Users 2024, Kraków 11-13.09.2024, “Structural and electronic properties of ultrathin Sn deposited on Pt(111)“,
  • A. Surendran et. al. Topological Matter School 2024, San Sebastian (Spain), 19-23.08.2024, “Electronic properties of the epitaxial thin films of Fe3Sn2
  • E. Młyńczak et al., LEEM-PEEM 13, Montreal (Canada) 19-23.08.2024 “Structural and electronic properties of ultrathin Sn deposited on Pt(111) studied by low energy electron microscopy“,
  • S. Shaju et. al., International Conference of Magnetic Films and Surfaces ICMFS 2024, Perugia (Italy) 7-12.07.2024 “Magnetic Properties of Epitaxial FexSny Kagome Thin Films” (poster)
  • E. Młyńczak et. al., European Conference on Surface Science ECOSS 37, 17-21.06.2024 “Structural and electronic properties of ultrathin Sn deposited on Pt(111) studied by low energy electron microscopy“
  • E. Młyńczak et. al., Solaris Update Meeting 21.06.2023 “Electronic properties of quantum materials investigated by spectroscopic methods at the PHELIX beamline“,

Publications

In preparation

Funding

The project was funded by the National Research Center (Poland) within the Sonata-Bis-12 research grant (2022/46/E/ST3/00184)