Probing magnetism in 2D materials at the nanoscale with single-spin microscopy
At a Glance
Section titled āAt a Glanceā| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2019-04-25 |
| Journal | Science |
| Authors | L. Thiel, Z Wang, M. A. Tschudin, D Rohner, I. Gutierrez Lezama |
| Institutions | University of Basel, University of Geneva |
| Citations | 460 |
Abstract
Section titled āAbstractāA detailed look into 2D magnetism The van der Waals material chromium triiodide (CrI 3 ) is a ferromagnet in the bulk but appears to become antiferromagnetic when thinned to a few atomic layers. Thiel et al. used a local magnetometry technique based on diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers to study the magnetism of these thin films at the nanoscale (see the Perspective by FernĆ”ndez-Rossier). In agreement with previous results, films with odd numbers of layers had magnetization values consistent with that of a single layer, indicating antiferromagnetic coupling. But when the researchersā probe caused an accidental puncture, the magnetization of a nine-layer film increased approximately ninefold to a value expected in a ferromagnetic material. Further characterization suggested that the puncture had caused a structural transition, linking the structural and magnetic properties of this enigmatic system. Science , this issue p. 973 ; see also p. 935