Giant Modulation of Magnetoresistance in a Van Der Waals Magnet by In-Plane Current Injection

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Efficient magnetization control is key for magnetism and spintronics.
• Van der Waals (vdW) magnets offer unique functionalities for advanced applications.
• Electrical control of ferromagnetic-to-antiferromagnetic transitions without magnetic fields remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current-induced magnetic phase transitions in vdW magnets.
• To demonstrate electrical manipulation of magnetic states in Fe5GeTe2.
• To explore the potential for spintronic applications using vdW magnets.

Main Methods:

• Magneto-transport measurements were performed on Fe5GeTe2.
• Theoretical analysis was employed to understand the observed phenomena.
• Current-in-plane geometry was utilized for electrical manipulation.

Main Results:

• A current-induced magnetic phase transition from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic states was observed in Fe5GeTe2.
• The transition is attributed to a vertical voltage drop across vdW gaps, influenced by anisotropic resistivity.
• Giant modulation of longitudinal magnetoresistance (5% to 170%) was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Electrical control of magnetic phase transitions in vdW magnets is achievable via current.
• This provides a pathway for developing novel spintronic devices with tunable magnetic properties.
• Fe5GeTe2 exhibits promising characteristics for future spintronic applications.