Unlocking exotic topological and electronic states: Epitaxial interfaces between magnetic pyrochlores

Pyrochlore oxides are known for their exotic magnetic and topological phases arising from complex interactions among electron correlations entwined with band topology and geometric frustration. Interfaces between different magnetic pyrochlore crystals hold immense potential for novel interface-driven phenomena. However, the realization of such interfaces has been severely hindered by multiple limitations in material synthesis methods. In this talk, I will present the recently discovered synthesis method that enables the creation of high-quality interfaces between dissimilar magnetic pyrochlores illustrated by the novel interface between classic spin ice Dy2Ti2O7 and magnetic Weyl semimetal Eu2Ir2O7. The new method relies on an ultra-high supersaturation regime during deposition aided by directional IR-laser-driven thermal gradients, transforming amorphous covalent networks into nearly perfectly ordered and atomically sharp interfaces of excellent stoichiometry. The magnetic interface between Dy2Ti2O7 and Eu2Ir2O7 unveils the opportunity to explore interactions between Fermi arcs and magnetic monopole excitations of spin ice, paving the way for quantum phases unattainable in bulk crystals.