Topological interface states of magnetic half-Heusler materials

Half-Heusler materials are a well-known platform for engineering topological and other electronic properties, leveraging their compositional and structural richness. In this study, we elucidate the emergence of topological interface states in magnetic half-Heusler compounds through the iterative Green's function approach. Our primary focus centers on the rare-earth-based half-Heusler compound LuPtBi, which was experimentally reported to exhibit topological surface states (TSS). By interfacing it with the magnetic trivial half-Heusler GdNiSb, we demonstrate the persistence of TSS at the interface, further accompanied by a fairly large quantum anomalous Hall gap around tens of meV. Considering the superconducting behavior in LuPtBi, we will additionally discuss the intriguing prospects of topological superconductivity within this LuPtBi-GdNiSb interface. Other candidate systems will also be introduced.