Magnetic Transition in Monolayer VSe₂ via Interface Hybridization

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Magnetism in monolayer Vanadium Diselenide (ML VSe2) is of significant interest for spintronics applications.
• Existing research on ML VSe2 magnetism lacks consensus, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the magnetic properties of ML VSe2 at a clean interface.
• To understand the role of interfacial hybridization in inducing or modifying magnetism in ML VSe2.
• To clarify the magnetic transition behavior of ML VSe2.

Main Methods:

• Element-specific X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) was employed to probe magnetism.
• Studies were conducted at the contamination-free interface between Cobalt (Co) and ML VSe2.
• Interfacial hybridization effects were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A magnetic transition was observed in ML VSe2 at the Co/VSe2 interface.
• Interfacial hybridization with a Co overlayer induced a magnetic moment of approximately 0.4 μB per V atom in ML VSe2.
• Ferromagnetism in ML VSe2 showed antiferromagnetic coupling with Co, reducing Co's spin moment.
• This interface-induced ferromagnetism was absent at the Fe/ML MoSe2 interface.

Conclusions:

• The Co/ML VSe2 interface provides clear evidence of ML VSe2 being on the verge of a magnetic transition.
• ML VSe2, initially exhibiting magnetic disorder, can be driven towards ferromagnetism through specific interfacial engineering.
• The findings highlight the critical role of interface chemistry and structure in determining the magnetic behavior of 2D materials.