Imaging Strain-Controlled Magnetic Reversal in Thin CrSBr.

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit exceptional sensitivity to external stimuli.
• Strain engineering is a key method for tuning material properties.
• Layered magnetic semiconductors offer platforms for exploring strain-magnetism coupling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To directly image the impact of inhomogeneous strain on the magnetization of CrSBr.
• To understand how strain gradients influence magnetic phase transitions in 2D materials.
• To investigate the role of unintentional strain in exfoliated CrSBr samples.

Main Methods:

• Scanning SQUID-on-lever microscopy for direct imaging of magnetization.
• Application of controlled magnetic fields along the easy axis.
• Development of a micromagnetic model incorporating spatially varying strain.

Main Results:

• Direct visualization of strain-induced magnetization changes in CrSBr.
• Observation of reversible antiferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic phase transitions driven by strain.
• Micromagnetic model successfully reproduced domain formation and magnetization evolution.
• Evidence that unintentional strain inhomogeneity affects magnetic behavior in exfoliated samples.

Conclusions:

• Strain is a powerful tool for controlling magnetism in 2D materials like CrSBr.
• Spatially inhomogeneous strain plays a critical role in the magnetic properties of exfoliated samples.
• Understanding and controlling strain is crucial for future 2D spintronic device applications.