- Letter
: Epitaxially stabilized axion insulator candidate with strong spin-orbit coupling
Phys. Rev. Materials 10, L091201 – Published 28 September, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/s6rf-7tr5
Abstract
Eu triangular lattice layer compounds described by the general formula have attracted growing attention due to a wide range of layered crystal structures and corresponding magnetic topological phases, arising from the coexistence of large Eu magnetic moments and energetically inverted and bands. Among the family, has been predicted to host a robust axion insulator and higher-order topological insulator states by stronger spin-orbit coupling but still needs to be experimentally realized, including the structural identification. Here, we report the epitaxial stabilization of by adopting the molecular beam epitaxy technique. Structural characterization reveals that films are based on a unique In-on-In stacking, forming a different trilayer structure distinct from previously predicted structures in the family. In addition to the in-plane antiferromagnetic ordering at , the stronger spin-orbit coupling and enhanced In-In hybridization in make it an ideal candidate of axion insulator and higher-order topological insulator phases. These results establish as a member of the family and offer an advanced platform for exploring these magnetic topological phases.