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Optically Driven Ultrafast Magnetic Order Transitions in Two-Dimensional Ferrimagnetic MXenes
Junjie He1, Thomas Frauenheim1,2,3
1Bremen Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Bremen, Am Fallturm 1, 2835, Bremen, Germany.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|July 15, 2020
Summary
Researchers discovered that 2D MXenes exhibit ferrimagnetic order and can undergo ultrafast laser-induced magnetic switching. This spin-selective charge transfer transitions them from ferrimagnetic to transient ferromagnetic states.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Chemistry
Background:
- Laser-induced spin switching is crucial for advanced magnetic storage and spintronics.
- This phenomenon is well-established in multicomponent ferrimagnetic (FiM) compounds but underexplored in two-dimensional (2D) magnets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of 2D MXenes for ultrafast optical manipulation of magnetic states.
- To explore the mechanism of laser-induced spin switching in these materials.
Main Methods:
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were employed to determine the magnetic order of various 2D MXenes.
- Real-time, time-dependent DFT simulations were used to model the effects of laser pulses on spin dynamics.
Main Results:
- Several 2D MXenes, including Cr2VC2F2, Mo2VC2F2, Mo2VN2F2, Mo3C2F2, and Mo3N2F2, were found to possess unusual ferrimagnetic (FiM) order.
- Ultrafast spin-selective charge transfer was observed within femtoseconds upon laser excitation.
- A transition from FiM to transient ferromagnetic (FM) states was induced by laser pulses.
Conclusions:
- The optically induced intersite spin transfer (OISTR) effect governs the ultrafast spin switching mechanism in these MXenes.
- This research theoretically demonstrates the feasibility of optical control over magnetic states in 2D magnets.
- The findings open new avenues for exploring spin manipulation in 2D magnetic materials.
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