Exchange bias and anomalous Hall effect driven by intertwined magnetic phases in
Phys. Rev. B 112, 144410 – Published 3 October, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/pjh8-j9p1
Abstract
We report on the interplay between atomic-scale inhomogeneity and competing magnetic phases and their effect on the anomalous Hall effect in the layered antiferromagnet , a natural superlattice hosting coexisting ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases. Using a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), DC and AC magnetization, and magnetotransport measurements, we reveal that intrinsic Mn–Bi antisite defects induce strong interlayer exchange coupling, giving rise to a robust exchange bias observed in both magnetic and Hall responses. The exchange bias undergoes a transition from asymmetric to symmetric behavior between 2 and 6 K, indicating a temperature-driven dynamical reconfiguration of interfacial spin structures. The training effect analysis revealed a stronger contribution of frozen spins at 2 K compared to 6 K, with relaxation amplitude shift from to Oe. This sign reversal indicates a field-induced change in interfacial coupling. The temperature dependence of longitudinal resistivity () and magnetization reveals complementary behavior, indicating the coexistence of two distinct spin states near the magnetic transition temperature. The phase-fraction-based resistivity model captures the distinct scattering mechanisms that govern electronic transport across different magnetic regimes. Our findings offer a direct link between microscopic disorder, interfacial magnetism, and macroscopic topological phenomena in magnetic topological insulators.