In-Plane Magnetic Anisotropy and Large topological Hall Effect in Self-Intercalated Ferromagnet Cr1.61Te2

TL;DR

This study reveals strong in-plane magnetic anisotropy and a significant topological Hall effect in self-intercalated Cr1.61Te2, highlighting its potential for spintronic applications due to complex spin structures and tunable magnetic properties.

Contribution

It reports the discovery of large topological Hall effect and magnetic anisotropy in Cr1.61Te2, providing insights into spin textures and exchange interactions in this material.

Findings

Large topological Hall resistivity at 150 K (0.93 μΩ·cm)

Distinct THE behaviors in different temperature regimes

Sign reversal of THE below 70 K indicating new spin structures

Abstract

Self-intercalated chromium tellurides Cr1+xTe2 have garnered growing attention due to their high-temperature ferromagnetism, tunable spin structures and air stability, all of which are vital for versatile applications in next-generation memory and information technology. Here, we report strong magnetic anisotropy and a large topological Hall effect (THE) in self-intercalated Cr1.61Te2 single crystals, which are both highly desirable properties for future spintronic applications. Our results demonstrate that Cr1.61Te2 is a soft ferromagnet with strong in-plane magnetic anisotropy. Remarkably, distinct THE behaviors are observed in different temperature regimes, reflecting the intricate spin structures and competing exchange interactions. More interestingly, a large topological Hall resistivity, induced by microscopic non-coplanar spin structures, emerges in the temperature range 70-240 K, reaching a maximum value of 0.93 {\mu}{\Omega} cm at 150 K. Moreover, a sign-reversed and weak THE is observed at low temperatures below ~70 K, indicating the emergence of an additional topological spin structure with opposite topological charges. This work not only offers valuable insights into the correlation between magnetocrystalline anisotropy and topological phenomena in Cr1+xTe2 systems, but also provides a robust platform for engineering the evolution of complex spin textures that can be leveraged in diverse spintronic device applications.