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Open Access
Abstract: The study of magnetic order in few- and monolayer van der Waals materials poses a challenge to the most commonly employed magnetic characterization techniques as they normally lack magnetic sensitivity and/or lateral resolution enabling their thickness-dependent probing. Here we demonstrate the usefulness of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements, carried out at the Cr L2,3 and Te M5 edges, for the study of the ferromagnetic semiconductor CrSiTe3 (CST) in the form of single- and few-layer flakes. By scanning the sample under the incident X-ray beam, a map of the exfoliated system was obtained, which reproduced the optical micrographs showing the detailed distribution and thicknesses of the flakes. In this way, XAS/XMCD was performed at selected sample areas, revealing the thickness-resolved spectroscopic and magnetic properties of the flakes, such as the spin and orbital magnetic moments. The spin moment, in line with the saturation field, is decreasing with film thickness, revealing a single-domain and out-of-plane magnetization for the thinnest films. For CST, the electronic properties are governed by the strong covalent bond between the Cr 3d(eg) and Te 5p states, giving rise to a superexchange scenario. We observed a gradually increasing ratio of orbital to spin moment for thinner flakes, which could be due to a further increase of the covalent mixing. Hysteresis loops were recorded at the Cr L3 edge, showing an open loop for 10 down to ∼3 layers, while the bulk shows a wasp-waist shaped loop. With the transition temperature from the soft to the hard ferromagnetic state decreasing with thickness, the monolayer shows a narrowed, closed loop at 10 K, suggesting its transition temperature >10 K. Our study demonstrates the unique capabilities of XAS/XMCD for the study of few-layer van der Waals magnets, correlation and ferromagnetism in CST.
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Jun 2022
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I06-Nanoscience
|
G.
Awana
,
R.
Fujita
,
A.
Frisk
,
P.
Chen
,
Q.
Yao
,
A. J.
Caruana
,
C. J.
Kinane
,
N.-J.
Steinke
,
S.
Langridge
,
P.
Olalde-Velasco
,
S. S.
Dhesi
,
G.
Van Der Laan
,
X. F.
Kou
,
S. L.
Zhang
,
T.
Hesjedal
,
D.
Backes
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[23748]
Open Access
Abstract: An elegant approach to overcome the intrinsic limitations of magnetically doped topological insulators is to bring a topological insulator in direct contact with a magnetic material. The aspiration is to realize the quantum anomalous Hall effect at high temperatures where the symmetry-breaking magnetic field is provided by a proximity-induced magnetization at the interface. Hence, a detailed understanding of the interfacial magnetism in such heterostructures is crucial, yet its distinction from structural and magnetic background effects is a rather nontrivial task. Here, we combine several magnetic characterization techniques to investigate the magnetic ordering in
MnTe
/
Bi
2
Te
3
heterostructures. A magnetization profile of the layer stack is obtained using depth-sensitive polarized neutron reflectometry. The magnetic constituents are characterized in more detail using element-sensitive magnetic x-ray spectroscopy. Magnetotransport measurements provide additional information about the magnetic transitions. We find that the supposedly antiferromagnetic MnTe layer does not exhibit an x-ray magnetic linear dichroic signal, raising doubt that it is in its antiferromagnetic state. Instead, Mn seems to penetrate into the surface region of the
Bi
2
Te
3
layer. Furthermore, the interface between MnTe and
Bi
2
Te
3
is not abrupt, but extending over
∼
2.2
nm. These conditions are the likely reason that we do not observe proximity-induced magnetization at the interface. Our findings illustrate the importance of not solely relying on one single technique as proof for proximity-induced magnetism at interfaces. We demonstrate that a holistic, multitechnique approach is essential to gain a more complete picture of the magnetic structure in which the interface is embedded.
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May 2022
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I06-Nanoscience
|
X.
Gu
,
C.
Chen
,
W. S.
Wei
,
L. L.
Gao
,
J. Y.
Liu
,
X.
Du
,
D.
Pei
,
J. S.
Zhou
,
R. Z.
Xu
,
Z. X.
Yin
,
W. X.
Zhao
,
Y. D.
Li
,
C.
Jozwiak
,
A.
Bostwick
,
E.
Rotenberg
,
D.
Backes
,
L. S. I.
Veiga
,
S.
Dhesi
,
T.
Hesjedal
,
G.
Van Der Laan
,
H. F.
Du
,
W. J.
Jiang
,
Y. P.
Qi
,
G.
Li
,
W. J.
Shi
,
Z. K.
Liu
,
Y. L.
Chen
,
L. X.
Yang
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[27482]
Abstract: Crystal geometry can greatly influence the emergent properties of quantum materials. As an example, the kagome lattice is an ideal platform to study the rich interplay between topology, magnetism, and electronic correlation. In this work, combining high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and ab initio calculation, we systematically investigate the electronic structure of
X
Mn
6
Sn
6
(
X
=
Dy
,
Tb
,
Gd
,
Y
)
family compounds. We observe the Dirac fermion and the flat band arising from the magnetic kagome lattice of Mn atoms. Interestingly, the flat band locates in the same energy region in all compounds studied, regardless of their different magnetic ground states and
4
f
electronic configurations. These observations suggest a robust Mn magnetic kagome lattice across the
X
Mn
6
Sn
6
family, thus providing an ideal platform for the search for, and investigation of, new emergent phenomena in magnetic topological materials.
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Apr 2022
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I10-Beamline for Advanced Dichroism
|
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[26148]
Open Access
Abstract: A major challenge in topological magnetism lies in the three-dimensional (3D) exploration of their magnetic textures. A recent focus has been the question of how 2D skyrmion sheets vertically stack to form distinct types of 3D topological strings. Being able to manipulate the vertical coupling should therefore provide a route to the engineering of topological states. Here, we present a new type of axially bound magnetic skyrmion string state in which the strings in two distinct materials are glued together across their interface. With quasi-tomographic resonant elastic X-ray scattering, the 3D skyrmion profiles before and after their binding across the interface were unambiguously determined and compared. Their attractive binding is accompanied by repulsive twisting; i.e., the coupled skyrmions mutually affect each other via a compensating twisting. This state exists in chiral magnet–magnetic thin film heterostructures, providing a new arena for the engineering of 3D topological phases.
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Apr 2022
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|
I10-Beamline for Advanced Dichroism
|
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[28727]
Open Access
Abstract: The low-temperature electronic structure of the van der Waals ferromagnet CrSiTe3 has been investigated. This ferromagnetic semiconductor has a magnetic bulk transition temperature of 33 K, which can reach up to 80 K in single- and few-layer flakes. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements, carried out at the Cr L2,3 and Te Mb edges on in vacuo cleaved single crystals, give strong evidence for hybridization-mediated super-exchange between the Cr atoms. The observed chemical shift in the XAS, as well as the comparison of the XMCD with the calculated Cr L2,3 multiplet spectra, confirm a strongly covalent bond between the Cr 3d(eg) and Te 5p states. Application of the XMCD sum rules gives a non-vanishing orbital moment, supporting a partial occupation of the eg states, apart from the t2g. Also, the presence of a non-zero XMCD signal at the Te Mb edge confirms a Te 5p spin polarization due to mixing with the Cr eg bonding states. The results strongly suggest that superexchange, instead of the previously suggested single ion anisotropy, is responsible for the low-temperature ferromagnetic ordering of 2D materials such as CrSiTe3 and CrGeTe3. This demonstrates the interplay between electron correlation and ferromagnetism in insulating two-dimensional materials.
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Dec 2021
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|
I10-Beamline for Advanced Dichroism
|
Yao
Guang
,
Kejing
Ran
,
Junwei
Zhang
,
Yizhou
Liu
,
Senfu
Zhang
,
Xuepeng
Qiu
,
Yong
Peng
,
Xixiang
Zhang
,
Markus
Weigand
,
Joachim
Gräfe
,
Gisela
Schütz
,
Gerrit
Van Der Laan
,
Thorsten
Hesjedal
,
Shilei
Zhang
,
Guoqiang
Yu
,
Xiufeng
Han
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[23785]
Abstract: A three-dimensional singular point that consists of two oppositely aligned emergent monopoles is identified in continuous CoTb thin films, as confirmed by complementary techniques of resonant elastic x-ray scattering, Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, and scanning transmission x-ray microscopy. This new type of topological defect can be regarded as a superposition of an emergent magnetic monopole and an antimonopole, around which the source and drain of the magnetic flux overlap in space. We experimentally prove that the observed spin twist seen in Lorentz transmission electron microscopy reveals the cross section of the superimposed three-dimensional structure, providing a straightforward strategy for the observation of magnetic singularities. Such a quasiparticle provides an excellent platform for studying the rich physics of emergent electromagnetism.
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Nov 2021
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|
I10-Beamline for Advanced Dichroism
|
Maciej
Dabrowski
,
Jade N.
Scott
,
William R.
Hendren
,
Colin M.
Forbes
,
Andreas
Frisk
,
David
Burn
,
David G.
Newman
,
Connor R. J.
Sait
,
Paul S.
Keatley
,
Alpha T.
N'Diaye
,
Thorsten
Hesjedal
,
Gerrit
Van Der Laan
,
Robert
Bowman
,
Robert J.
Hicken
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[17745, 19116, 20760]
Abstract: All-optical switching of magnetization has great potential for use in future ultrafast and energy efficient nanoscale magnetic storage devices. So far, research has been almost exclusively focused on rare-earth based materials, which limits device tunability and scalability. Here, we show that a perpendicularly magnetized synthetic ferrimagnet composed of two distinct transition metal ferromagnetic layers, Ni3Pt and Co, can exhibit helicity independent magnetization switching. Switching occurs between two equivalent remanent states with antiparallel alignment of the Ni3Pt and Co magnetic moments and is observable over a broad temperature range. Time-resolved measurements indicate that the switching is driven by a spin-polarized current passing through the subnanometer Ir interlayer. The magnetic properties of this model system may be tuned continuously via subnanoscale changes in the constituent layer thicknesses as well as growth conditions, allowing the underlying mechanisms to be elucidated and paving the way to a new class of data storage devices.
|
Oct 2021
|
|
I10-Beamline for Advanced Dichroism
|
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[17402, 21868]
Open Access
Abstract: Magnetic skyrmions are vortex-like spin textures, which are usually treated as two-dimensional objects. In their lattice state, they form well-ordered, hexagonal structures, which have been studied in great detail. To obtain a three-dimensional (3D) skyrmion crystal, these planes can be envisaged to be stacked up forming skyrmion strings in the third dimension. Here, we report the observation of a 3D skyrmion phase in Cu2OSeO3 by carrying out reciprocal space mapping in resonant elastic x-ray scattering. We observe regions in the magnetic field-cooling phase diagram in which the skyrmion phase apparently coexists with the conical phase. However, such a coexistence is forbidden due to symmetry arguments. Instead, the skyrmion strings themselves are periodically modulated along their axes, as confirmed by micromagnetic simulations. The periodic modulation is in fact a necessary consequence of the evolution of the skyrmion phase out of the conical state and should therefore be a universal property of skyrmion strings in chiral helimagnets.
|
Aug 2021
|
|
I10-Beamline for Advanced Dichroism
|
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[15211, 16099]
Open Access
Abstract: Elemental tin in the α‐phase is an intriguing member of the family of topological quantum materials. In thin films, with decreasing thickness, α‐Sn transforms from a 3D topological Dirac semimetal (TDS) to a 2D topological insulator (TI). Getting access to and making use of its topological surface states is challenging and requires interfacing to a magnetically ordered material. Herein, the successful epitaxial growth of α‐Sn thin films on Co, forming the core of a spin‐valve structure, is reported. Time‐ and element‐selective ferromagnetic resonance experiments are conducted to investigate the presence of spin pumping through the spin‐valve structure. A rigorous statistical analysis of the experimental data using a model based on the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert–Slonczewski equation is applied. A strong exchange coupling contribution is found, however no unambiguous proof for spin pumping. Nevertheless, the incorporation of α‐Sn into a spin valve remains a promising approach given its simplicity as an elemental TI and its room‐temperature application potential.
|
May 2021
|
|
I10-Beamline for Advanced Dichroism
|
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[23784, 23451]
Open Access
Abstract: Magnetic skyrmions are topologically non-trivial, swirling magnetization textures that form lattices in helimagnetic materials. These magnetic nanoparticles show promise as high efficiency next-generation information carriers, with dynamics that are governed by their topology. Among the many unusual properties of skyrmions is the tendency of their direction of motion to deviate from that of a driving force; the angle by which they diverge is a materials constant, known as the skyrmion Hall angle. In magnetic multilayer systems, where skyrmions often appear individually, not arranging themselves in a lattice, this deflection angle can be easily measured by tracing the real space motion of individual skyrmions. Here we describe a reciprocal space technique which can be used to determine the skyrmion Hall angle in the skyrmion lattice state, leveraging the properties of the skyrmion lattice under a shear drive. We demonstrate this procedure to yield a quantitative measurement of the skyrmion Hall angle in the room-temperature skyrmion system FeGe, shearing the skyrmion lattice with the magnetic field gradient generated by a single turn Oersted wire.
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May 2021
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