Synthesizing a Magnetic Topological Insulator Using Chemical Vapor Deposition

Magnetic topological insulators have electronic and magnetic properties that are of interest to condensed matter physicists for potential applications in fields such as quantum computing and spintronics. In this work, we will synthesize Mn-doped Bi2Te3 using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and characterize the resulting crystals using optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). We will study the effects of varying multiple parameters during the CVD process including temperature, presence of salts, types of carrier gases, substrate position, and more in an effort to produce high quality crystals in a scalable and reliable manner. Refining a CVD process to eventually produce crystalline MnBi2Te4 would mark a crucial step toward making this material a viable candidate to use in future projects that will help bring forth the next generation of quantum technologies and high-performance electronic devices.