Magnetoresistance hysteresis in topological Kondo insulator SmB₆ nanowire

SmB₆, a topological Kondo insulator, with a gapped bulk state and metallic surface state has aroused great research interest. Here, we report an exotic hysteresis behavior of magnetoresistance in individual SmB₆ nanowire in a temperature range in which both surface and bulk states contribute to the total conductance. Under a magnetic field parallel to the SmB₆ nanowire, the resistance suddenly increases at the turning point from up-sweep to down-sweep of the magnetic field. The magnetoresistance hysteresis loops are well consistent with the magnetocaloric effect. Our results suggest that the SmB₆ nanowires possess potential applications in the magnetic cooling technology. (special topic)