All-optical switching of magnetization in atomically thin CrI3.

Control of magnetism has attracted interest in achieving low-power and high-speed applications such as magnetic data storage and spintronic devices. Two-dimensional magnets allow for control of magnetic properties using the electric field, electrostatic doping and strain. In two-dimensional atomically thin magnets, a non-volatile all-optical method would offer the distinct advantage of switching magnetic states without application of an external field. Here, we demonstrate such all-optical magnetization switching in the atomically thin ferromagnetic semiconductor, CrI3, triggered by circularly polarized light pulses. The magnetization switching behaviour strongly depends on the exciting photon energy and polarization, in correspondence with excitonic transitions in CrI3, indicating that the switching process is related to spin angular momentum transfer from photoexcited carriers to local magnetic moments. Such an all-optical magnetization switching should allow for further exploration of magneto-optical interactions and open up applications in high-speed and low-power spintronic devices.

Dynamics of Two Distinct Exciton Populations in Methyl-Functionalized Germanane.

Methyl-substituted germanane is an emerging material that has been proposed for novel applications in optoelectronics, photoelectrocatalysis, and biosensors. It is a two-dimensional semiconductor with a strong above-gap fluorescence associated with water intercalation. Here, we use time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy to understand the mechanism causing this fluorescence. We show that it originates from two distinct exciton populations. Both populations recombine exponentially, accompanied by the thermally activated transfer of exciton population from the shorter- to the longer-lived type. The two exciton populations involve different electronic levels and couple to different phonons. The longer-lived type of exciton migrates within the disordered energy landscape of localized recombination centers. These outcomes shed light on the fundamental optical and electronic properties of functionalized germanane, enabling the groundwork for future applications in optoelectronics, light harvesting, and sensing.

Covalent functionalization of two-dimensional group 14 graphane analogues.

The sp3-hybridized group 14 graphane analogues are a unique family of 2D materials in which every atom requires a terminal ligand for stability. Consequently, the optical, electronic, and thermal properties of these materials can be manipulated via covalent chemistry. Herein, we review the methodologies for preparing these materials, and compare their functionalization densities to Si/Ge(111) surfaces and other covalently terminated 2D materials. We discuss how the electronic structure, optical properties, and thermal stability of the 2D framework can be broadly tuned with the ligand identity and framework element. We highlight their recent application in electronics, optoelectronics, photocatalysis, and batteries. Overall, these materials are an intriguing regime in materials design in which both surface functionalization and solid-state chemistry can be uniquely exploited to systematically design properties and phenomena.

CrxPt1-xTe2 (x ≤ 0.45): A Family of Air-Stable and Exfoliatable van der Waals Ferromagnets.

The development of thermally robust, air-stable, exfoliatable two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnetic materials with high transition temperatures is of great importance. Here, we establish a family of magnetic alloys, CrxPt1-xTe2 (x ≤ 0.45), that combines the stability of the late transition metal dichalcogenide PtTe2 with magnetism from Cr. These materials are easily grown in crystal form from the melt, are stable in ambient conditions, and have among the highest concentrations of magnetic element substitution in transition metal dichalcogenide alloys. The highest Cr-substituted material, Cr0.45Pt0.55Te2, exhibits ferromagnetic behavior below 220 K, and the easy axis is along the c-axis of the material, as determined using a combination of neutron diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements. These materials are metallic, with appreciable magnetoresistance below the Curie temperature. Single-crystal and powder diffraction measurements indicate Cr readily alloys onto the Pt site and does not sit in the van der Waals space, allowing these materials to be readily exfoliated to the few-layer regime. In summary, this air-stable, exfoliatable, high transition temperature ferromagnet shows great potential as building block for future 2D devices.