Cleavable magnetic materials: CrTe$_3$ and CrCl$_3$

ORAL

Abstract

Two dimensional magnetic materials are needed for engineering enhanced functionality into van der Waals heterostructures. Here we describe two easily cleavable materials relevant to such research: CrTe$_3$ and CrCl$_3$. Experimental results include the field and temperature dependent crystallographic and magnetic properties and analysis of elastic and inelastic neutron scattering data. CrTe$_3$ contains lozenge shaped Cr$_4$ tetramers and Te$-$Te bonding. We see evidence of strong intra-tetramer exchange as well as significant long range magnetic interactions. CrCl$_3$ is an antiferromagnet (T$_N$ = 17 K) with a honeycomb lattice of Cr. We find that the magnetic order develops in two steps. Due to the low magnetic anisotropy, the 3 Bohr magneton moments on Cr can be fully polarized in any direction with magnetic fields of less than 5 kOe, making this compound particularly interesting for devices incorporating magnetic proximity effects.

*This work was supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division and Scientific User Facilities Division.

Authors

  • Michael McGuire

    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    • Oak Ridge National Lab
  • Jiaqiang Yan

    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • Valentino Cooper

    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • Ovidiu Garlea

    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • Brian Sales

    • Oak Ridge National Laboratory