Switching of Dirac-Fermion Mass at the Interface of Ultrathin Ferromagnet and Rashba Metal

Abstract

We have performed spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on tungsten (110) interfaced with an ultrathin iron (Fe) layer to study an influence of ferromagnetism on the Dirac-cone-like surface-interface states. We found an unexpectedly large energy gap of 340 meV at the Dirac point, and have succeeded in switching the Dirac-fermion mass by controlling the direction of Fe spins (in plane or out of plane) through tuning the thickness of the Fe overlayer or adsorbing oxygen on it. Such a manipulation of Dirac-fermion mass via the magnetic proximity effect opens a promising platform for realizing new spintronic devices utilizing a combination of exchange and Rashba-spin-orbit interactions.