Double exchange interaction in Mn-based topological kagome ferrimagnet

Recently discovered Mn-based kagome materials, such as RMn6Sn6 (R = rare-earth element), exhibit the coexistence of topological electronic states and long-range magnetic order, offering a platform for studying quantum phenomena. However, understanding the electronic and magnetic properties of these materials remains incomplete. Here, we investigate the electronic structure and magnetic properties of GdMn6Sn6 using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism, photoemission spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. We observe localized electronic states from spin frustration in the Mn-based kagome lattice and induced magnetic moments in the nonmagnetic element Sn experimentally, which originate from the Sn-p\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$p$$\end{document} and Mn-d\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$d$$\end{document} orbital hybridization. Our calculations also reveal ferromagnetic coupling within the kagome Mn-Mn layer, driven by double exchange interaction. This work provides insights into the mechanisms of magnetic interaction and magnetic tuning in the exploration of topological quantum materials. Mn-based kagome materials like RMn6Sn6 (R = rare-earth element) exhibit topological states and long-range magnetic order. This work demonstrates the ferrimagnetic structure in GdMn6Sn6, revealing induced magnetic moments in nonmagnetic Sn, and Mn-Mn double exchange interaction mediated by Sn atoms.