Propagation, dissipation and breakdown in quantum anomalous Hall edge states probed by microwave edge plasmons

The quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect, with its single chiral, topologically protected edge state, offers a platform for flying Majorana states as well as non-reciprocal microwave devices. While recent research showed the non-reciprocity of edge plasmons in Cr-doped $\mathrm{(Bi_xSb_\text{1-x})_2Te_3}$, the understanding of their dissipation remains incomplete. Our study explores edge plasmon dissipation in V-doped $\mathrm{(Bi_xSb_\text{1-x})_2Te_3}$ films, analyzing microwave transmission across various conditions. We identify interactions with charge puddles as a primary source of dissipation, providing insights critical for developing improved QAH-based technologies.