Layer-dependent magnetism and spin fluctuations in atomically thin van der Waals magnet CrPS4

TL;DR

This paper investigates the layer-dependent magnetic properties and spin fluctuations in atomically thin CrPS4, demonstrating its potential for 2D spintronic devices through nanoscale quantum sensing and large tunneling magnetoresistance.

Contribution

It provides the first nanoscale imaging of layer-dependent magnetism and spin fluctuations in CrPS4, revealing its suitability for advanced 2D spintronic applications.

Findings

Layer-dependent static magnetism observed in CrPS4.

Significant spin fluctuations detected at the nanoscale.

Large tunneling magnetoresistance in CrPS4-based heterostructures.

Abstract

van der Waals (vdW) magnets, an emerging family of two-dimensional (2D) materials, have received tremendous attention due to their rich fundamental physics and significant potential for cutting-edge technological applications. In contrast to the conventional bulk counterparts, vdW magnets exhibit significant tunability of local material properties, such as stacking engineered interlayer coupling and layer-number dependent magnetic and electronic interactions, which promise to deliver previously unavailable merits to develop multifunctional microelectronic devices. As a further ingredient of this emerging topic, here we report nanoscale quantum sensing and imaging of atomically thin vdW magnet chromium thiophosphate CrPS4, revealing its characteristic layer-dependent 2D static magnetism and dynamic spin fluctuations. We also show a large tunneling magnetoresistance in CrPS4-based spin filter vdW heterostructures. The excellent material stability, robust strategy against environmental degradation, in combination with tailored magnetic properties highlight the potential of CrPS4 in developing state-of-the-art 2D spintronic devices for next-generation information technologies.