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Updated: Jul 12, 2025
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Published on: March 24, 2019
Electric Field-Controlled Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect in A-Type Antiferromagnetic Fe2CX2 (X = F, Cl) and Its Janus
Peng Wang1, Qinxi Liu2, Nanshu Liu3
1Chongqing Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Structure Optoelectronics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
None:
The magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) is a powerful probe of magnetism and has recently gained new attention in antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials. Through extensive first-principles calculations and group theory analysis, we have identified Fe2CX2 (X = F, Cl) and Janus Fe2CFCl monolayers as ideal A-type collinear AFM materials with high magnetic anisotropy and Néel temperatures. By applying a vertical external electrical field (Ef) of 0.2 V/Å, the MOKE is activated for Fe2CF2 and Fe2CCl2 monolayers without changing their magnetic ground state, and the maximum Kerr rotation angles are 0.13 and 0.08°, respectively. Due to the out-of-plane spontaneous polarization, the intrinsic and nonvolatile MOKE is found in the Janus Fe2CFCl monolayer and the maximal Kerr rotation angle without external electronic field is 0.25°. Moreover, the intrinsic built-in electronic field also gives origin to more robust A-type AFM ordering and reversible Kerr angle against external Ef. Our study suggests that Ef is an effective tool for controlling MOKE in two-dimensional (2D) AFM materials. This research opens the possibility of related studies and applications in AFM spintronics.
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