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A detailed look into 2D magnetism

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2019-06-06
JournalScience
AuthorsJelena Stajic
Citations1

Magnetism The van der Waals material chromium triiodide (CrI3) 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 Fernandez-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 researchers’ 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