Lighting up the spin: Exploring the potential of two-dimensional magnets in optical spintronics
Two-dimensional ( 2D ) magnets have made rapid progress since their introduction in 2017. The 2D properties of these 2D magnets, characterized by atomic-level thickness, give them strong magnetic anisotropy, layer-dependent and switchable magnetic order, and the presence of quantum-confined quasiparticles. These unique features distinguish them from traditional three-dimensional ( 3D ) magnetic materials. In addition, the 2D geometry enables them to interact with light efficiently, making them very suitable for optical spintronics applications and potential chip integration.
Recently, Yu Ting's research group at Wuhan University published a review article titled "Lightning the Spin: Harnessing the Potential of 2D Magnets in Opto-Spintronics" in Advanced Materials . The article divides optical spintronics into three types based on the wavelength of light interacting with 2D magnets: (1 ) GHz to THz , ( 2 ) visible light, and ( 3 ) ultraviolet to X- rays. The article deeply studies the latest research breakthroughs on the newly discovered light - spin interaction mechanisms in 2D magnets and introduces innovative design concepts for building potential optical spintronics applications based on these interactions.
Figure 1. Optical spin electronics based on two-dimensional magnets
Paper information:
Lightning the Spin: Harnessing the Potential of 2D Magnets in Opto-Spintronics.
Sheng Liu, Iftikhar Ahmed Malik, Vanessa Li Zhang, Ting Yu
Advanced Materials
https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202306920
