Breaking time-reversal symmetry at the topological insulator surface by metal-organic coordination networks

We propose a way to break the time-reversal symmetry at the surface of a three-dimensional topological insulator that combines features of both surface magnetic doping and magnetic proximity effect. Based on the possibility of organizing an ordered array of local magnetic moments by inserting them into a two-dimensional matrix of organic ligands, we study the magnetic coupling and electronic structure of such metal-organic coordination networks on a topological insulator surface from first principles. In this way, we find that both Co and Cr centers, linked by the tetracyanoethylenelike organic ligand, are coupled ferromagnetically and, depending on the distance to the topological insulator substrate, can yield a magnetic proximity effect. This latter leads to the Dirac point gap opening indicative of the time-reversal symmetry breaking.