We present the current-induced switching of the internal magnetization direction in a magnetic topological insulator/topological insulator heterostructure in the quantum anomalous Hall regime. The switching process is based on the bias current dependence of the coercive field, which is attributed to either Joule heating or the effect of the spin transfer provided by the unpolarized bias current. Increasing the bias current leads to a decrease in the magnetic order in the sample. When the applied current is subsequently reduced, the magnetic moments align with an externally applied magnetic field, resulting in repolarization in the opposite direction. This includes a reversal of the spin polarization and hence a reversal of the chiral edge mode. Possible applications in spintronic devices are discussed.

• Received 18 August 2023
• Accepted 18 January 2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.8.026201