Two-dimensional magnetic crystals and emergent heterostructure devices

TLDR: Recognizing that magnetic anisotropy can be used to induce stable magnetism in atomic monolayers, Gong and Zhang provide an overview of the materials available and the physical understanding of the effects and then discuss how these effects could be exploited for widespread practical applications.

Abstract: Magnetism, originating from the moving charges and spin of elementary particles, has revolutionized important technologies such as data storage and biomedical imaging, and continues to bring forth new phenomena in emergent materials and reduced dimensions. The recently discovered two-dimensional (2D) magnetic van der Waals crystals provide ideal platforms for understanding 2D magnetism, the control of which has been fueling opportunities for atomically thin, flexible magneto-optic and magnetoelectric devices (such as magnetoresistive memories and spin field-effect transistors). The seamless integration of 2D magnets with dissimilar electronic and photonic materials opens up exciting possibilities for unprecedented properties and functionalities. We review the progress in this area and identify the possible directions for device applications, which may lead to advances in spintronics, sensors, and computing.