Impact of Au Ion Implantation on 2D $Cr_2Ge_2Te_6$ for Spintronics

TL;DR

This paper explores how low-energy gold ion implantation alters the morphology, structure, and magnetic properties of 2D Cr2Ge2Te6, demonstrating potential for tuning magnetic behavior in spintronic devices.

Contribution

It presents a novel investigation of Au ion implantation effects on 2D Cr2Ge2Te6, revealing significant modifications in magnetic properties relevant for spintronics.

Findings

Increased Curie temperature due to ion implantation.

Transition from superexchange to double exchange interactions.

Altered magnetic moments and reduced exchange energy gaps.

Abstract

Advancements in 2D magnetic materials highlight their potential in semiconductors, magnetism, and spintronics, particularly in tuning magnetic properties for spintronic applications. This study investigates the impact of low-energy (30 KeV) Au ion implantation on 2D layered exfoliated $Cr_2Ge_2Te_6$ flakes prepared on Si/SiO$_2$ substrates using the Scotch tape method. Five different ion doses (5$\times10^{13}$, 1$\times10^{14}$, 5$\times10^{14}$, 1$\times10^{15}$, and 2.5$\times10^{15}$ ions/cm$^2$) were used to modify the morphology, composition, structural, and vibrational properties of the samples. The implantation introduces significant changes in morphology and magnetic behavior, leading to an increase in Curie temperature and an attribution from superexchange to double exchange interactions. The reduced exchange energy gaps and modified magnetic moments attribute to Au ions intercalation in $Cr_2Ge_2Te_6$ underscore the potential of ions implantation to tune the magnetic properties of 2D materials for advanced spintronic applications.