Researchers at NIST have discovered that a signal previously thought to be caused by lattice vibrations in 2D magnets is actually due to electron spin waves. This finding is significant for future magnon-based devices that could operate without generating heat.
The NIST team used a custom-engineered Raman spectroscopy system to study 2D magnets, particularly FePS3, at low temperatures and high magnetic fields. They found that one peak in the Raman spectrum exhibited unexpected behavior, confirming the presence of magnons in a 2D magnet for the first time.
The discovery opens up new possibilities for studying 2D magnets and other quantum materials using magneto-Raman spectroscopy. As scientists continue to unravel the underlying physics of these new materials, potential applications in computing systems based on magnetism instead of electronics could emerge.
Implementation timeframes for practical applications are not yet clear, but the research lays the foundation for future development of magnon-based technologies.
Keywords: Magnons, Raman spectroscopy, Quantum materials, Magnetic field, Spin waves
