Spin structure and dynamics of the topological semimetal Co3Sn2-x In x S2

Abstract

Abstract The anomalous Hall effect (AHE), typically observed in ferromagnetic (FM) metals with broken time-reversal symmetry, depends on electronic and magnetic properties. In Co3Sn2-x In x S2, a giant AHE has been attributed to Berry curvature associated with the FM Weyl semimetal phase, yet recent studies report complicated magnetism. We use neutron scattering to determine the spin dynamics and structures as a function of x and provide a microscopic understanding of the AHE and magnetism interplay. Spin gap and stiffness indicate a contribution from Weyl fermions consistent with the AHE. The magnetic structure evolves from c-axis ferromagnetism at $$x = 0$$ x = 0 to a canted antiferromagnetic (AFM) structure with reduced c-axis moment and in-plane AFM order at $$x = 0.12$$ x = 0.12 and further reduced c-axis FM moment at $$x = 0.3$$ x = 0.3 . Since noncollinear spins can induce non-zero Berry curvature in real space acting as a fictitious magnetic field, our results revealed another AHE contribution, establishing the impact of magnetism on transport.