Surface states and Rashba-type spin polarization in antiferromagnetic MnBi2Te4 (0001)

The layered van der Waals antiferromagnet MnBi${}₂$Te${}₄$ has been predicted previously to realize the first intrinsic magnetic topological insulator. Here, the authors report spin- and angle-resolved photoemission experiments for the MnBi${}₂$Te${}₄$(0001) surface, revealing a surface state in the bulk band gap and providing evidence for the interplay between magnetic exchange interaction and spin-orbit coupling in the surface electronic structure. MnBi${}₂$Te${}₄$ thus constitutes a promising candidate to exploit the interplay of topological states and magnetic order in spintronic device concepts.