Researchers at NIST have developed advanced optical techniques to study and control magnetic phenomena in 2D materials, which could lead to new quantum technologies. The team has created a unique Raman spectroscopy system that can probe magnetic properties at the nanoscale, even in air-sensitive materials encapsulated in hBN.
The new methods allow precise measurement of spin waves (magnons) and other magnetic behaviors in 2D materials, which could be used in next-generation electronics and quantum computing. The techniques can distinguish between magnons and phonons, and study their interactions with other quantum phenomena.
The research has already revealed new insights into the magnetic properties of van der Waals magnets like FePS3 and CrI3, challenging existing understanding of magnetic excitations. The team is now investigating chiral antiferromagnets and magnetic semiconductors for potential quantum applications.
The work represents a significant advance in the ability to study and control 2D magnetic materials, which could enable new quantum technologies in the future.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/optical-probes-2d-magnetic-phenomena
Keywords: magnons, spin waves, 2D materials
