Dynamics and Formation of Antiferromagnetic Textures in MnBi2Te4 Single Crystal

We report coherent X-ray imaging of antiferromagnetic (AFM) domains and domain walls in MnBi2Te4, an intrinsic AFM topological insulator. This technique enables direct visualization of domain morphology without reconstruction algorithms, allowing us to resolve antiphase domain walls as distinct dark lines arising from the A-type AFM structure. The wall width is determined to be 550(30) nm, in good agreement with earlier magnetic force microscopy results. The temperature dependence of the AFM order parameter extracted from our images closely follows previous neutron scattering data. Remarkably, however, we find a pronounced hysteresis in the evolution of domains and domain walls: upon cooling, dynamic reorganizations occur within a narrow ∼1 K interval below TN, whereas upon warming, the domain configuration remains largely unchanged until AFM order disappears. These findings reveal a complex energy landscape in MnBi2Te4, governed by the interplay of exchange, anisotropy, and domain-wall energies, and underscore the critical role of AFM domain-wall dynamics in shaping its physical properties. These sharply defined and hysteretically evolving walls may provide a controllable AFM texture in MnBi2Te4, hinting at potential use in low-power spintronic devices based on domain-wall dynamics.