Showing papers on "Curie temperature published in 2019"

Intrinsic quantized anomalous Hall effect in a moir\'e heterostructure

Abstract: We report the observation of a quantum anomalous Hall effect in twisted bilayer graphene showing Hall resistance quantized to within .1\% of the von Klitzing constant $h/e^2$ at zero magnetic field.The effect is driven by intrinsic strong correlations, which polarize the electron system into a single spin and valley resolved moire miniband with Chern number $C=1$. In contrast to extrinsic, magnetically doped systems, the measured transport energy gap $\Delta/k_B\approx 27$~K is larger than the Curie temperature for magnetic ordering $T_C\approx 9$~K, and Hall quantization persists to temperatures of several Kelvin. Remarkably, we find that electrical currents as small as 1~nA can be used to controllably switch the magnetic order between states of opposite polarization, forming an electrically rewritable magnetic memory.

Direct Photoluminescence Probing of Ferromagnetism in Monolayer Two-Dimensional CrBr3

Abstract: Atomically thin magnets are the key element to build up spintronics based on two-dimensional materials. The surface nature of two-dimensional ferromagnet opens up opportunities to improve the device performance efficiently. Here, we report the intrinsic ferromagnetism in atomically thin monolayer CrBr3, directly probed by polarization resolved magneto-photoluminescence. The spontaneous magnetization persists in monolayer CrBr3 with a Curie temperature of 34 K. The development of magnons by the thermal excitation is in line with the spin-wave theory. We attribute the layer-number-dependent hysteresis loops in thick layers to the magnetic domain structures. As a stable monolayer material in air, CrBr3 provides a convenient platform for fundamental physics and pushes the potential applications of the two-dimensional ferromagnetism.

Large magnetic gap at the Dirac point in Bi2Te3/MnBi2Te4 heterostructures.

Abstract: Magnetically doped topological insulators enable the quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE), which provides quantized edge states for lossless charge-transport applications1–8. The edge states are hosted by a magnetic energy gap at the Dirac point2, but hitherto all attempts to observe this gap directly have been unsuccessful. Observing the gap is considered to be essential to overcoming the limitations of the QAHE, which so far occurs only at temperatures that are one to two orders of magnitude below the ferromagnetic Curie temperature, TC (ref. 8). Here we use low-temperature photoelectron spectroscopy to unambiguously reveal the magnetic gap of Mn-doped Bi2Te3, which displays ferromagnetic out-of-plane spin texture and opens up only below TC. Surprisingly, our analysis reveals large gap sizes at 1 kelvin of up to 90 millielectronvolts, which is five times larger than theoretically predicted9. Using multiscale analysis we show that this enhancement is due to a remarkable structure modification induced by Mn doping: instead of a disordered impurity system, a self-organized alternating sequence of MnBi2Te4 septuple and Bi2Te3 quintuple layers is formed. This enhances the wavefunction overlap and size of the magnetic gap10. Mn-doped Bi2Se3 (ref. 11) and Mn-doped Sb2Te3 form similar heterostructures, but for Bi2Se3 only a nonmagnetic gap is formed and the magnetization is in the surface plane. This is explained by the smaller spin–orbit interaction by comparison with Mn-doped Bi2Te3. Our findings provide insights that will be crucial in pushing lossless transport in topological insulators towards room-temperature applications. In theory, the anomalous quantum Hall effect is observed in edge channels of topological insulators when there is a magnetic energy gap at the Dirac point; this gap has now been observed by low-temperature photoelectron spectroscopy in Mn-doped Bi2Te3.

MnX (X = P, As) monolayers: a new type of two-dimensional intrinsic room temperature ferromagnetic half-metallic material with large magnetic anisotropy

Abstract: Recent experimentally demonstrated intrinsic two-dimensional (2D) magnetism has sparked intense interest for advanced spintronic applications. However, the rather low Curie temperature and small magnetic anisotropic energy (MAE) greatly limit their application scope. Here, by using density functional theory calculations, we predict a series of stable 2D MnX (X = P, As, Sb) monolayers, among which MnP and MnAs monolayers exhibit intrinsic ferromagnetic (FM) ordering and considerably large MAEs of 166 and 281 μeV per Mn atom, respectively. More interestingly, the 2D MnP and MnAs monolayers exhibit highly desired half-metallicity with wide spin gaps of about 3 eV. Monte Carlo simulations suggest markedly high Curie temperatures of MnP and MnAs monolayers, ∼495 K and 711 K, respectively. Besides, these monolayers are the lowest energy structures in the 2D search space with excellent dynamic and thermal stabilities. A viable experimental synthesis route is also proposed to produce MnX monolayers via the selective chemical etching method. The outstanding attributes of MnP and MnAs monolayers would substantially broaden the applicability of 2D magnetism for a wide range of applications.

A comparative study on the structural, dielectric and multiferroic properties of Co0.6Cu0.3Zn0.1Fe2O4/Ba0.9Sr0.1Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 composite ceramics

Abstract: High performance multiferroic composites have attracted great attentions because they are more beneficial to increasing magnetoelectric coupling effect. We report the effects of molar ratio (4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4) on the structural, dielectric and multiferroic properties of Co0.6Cu0.3Zn0.1Fe2O4/Ba0.9Sr0.1Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 (CCZFO/BSZTO) composite ceramics prepared by sol-gel method. The XRD results confirm successful formation of the CCZFO/BSZTO composites without presence of any impurity phase. The mean grain size is about 1.5 mm and it shows double dispersing behavior, the larger grains belong to CCZFO while the smaller ones are ascribed to BSZTO. The maximum dielectric constant and loss appear with the molar ratio is 1:1 due to its more grain boundaries. Two peaks appear in the e∼T curves, the peak corresponding to the lower temperature corresponds to the Curie temperature of BSZTO, while the other one is resulted by the relaxation polarization. The height of the relaxation peak decreases and the position shifts to higher temperature range with the increase of molar ratio. The maximal remanent polarization is 3.76 μC/cm2, obtained at 1 kHz when the molar ratio is 1:1. An enhanced magnetic properties are observed when the molar ratio is 1:1 due to the stronger interface interaction effect between the two phases. Strong direct magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of 1.53 V/(cm.Oe) is obtained at the field of 8000 Oe for the sample 1:4. These results may provide valuable information for improving the multiferroic properties of composite multiferroic materials.

Transition from Ferromagnetic Semiconductor to Ferromagnetic Metal with Enhanced Curie Temperature in Cr2Ge2Te6 via Organic Ion Intercalation.

Abstract: Magnetism in the two-dimensional limit has become an intriguing topic for exploring new physical phenomena and potential applications. Especially, the two-dimensional magnetism is often associated with novel intrinsic spin fluctuations and versatile electronic structures, which provides vast opportunities in 2D material research. However, it is still challenging to verify candidate materials hosting two-dimensional magnetism, since the prototype systems have to be realized by using mechanical exfoliation or atomic layer deposition. Here, an alternative manipulation of two-dimensional magnetic properties via electrochemical intercalation of organic molecules is reported. Using tetrabutyl ammonium (TBA+), we synthesized a (TBA)Cr2Ge2Te6 hybrid superlattice with metallic behavior, and the Curie temperature is significantly increased from 67 K in pristine Cr2Ge2Te6 to 208 K in (TBA)Cr2Ge2Te6. Moreover, the magnetic easy axis changes from the ⟨001⟩ direction in Cr2Ge2Te6 to the ab-plane in (TBA)Cr2Ge2Te6. Theoretical calculations indicate that the drastic increase of the Curie temperature can be attributed to the change of magnetic coupling from a weak superexchange interaction in pristine Cr2Ge2Te6 to a strong double-exchange interaction in (TBA)Cr2Ge2Te6. These findings are the first demonstration of manipulation of magnetism in magnetic van der Waals materials by means of intercalating organic ions, which can serve as a convenient and efficient approach to explore versatile magnetic and electronic properties in van der Waals crystals.

Phase-controllable growth of ultrathin 2D magnetic FeTe crystals

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) magnets with intrinsic ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic (FM/AFM) ordering are highly desirable for future spintronics devices. However, the synthesis of 2D magnetic crystals, especially the direct growth on SiO2/Si substrate, is just in its infancy. Here, we report a chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-based rational growth approach for the synthesis of ultrathin FeTe crystals with controlled structural and magnetic phases. By precisely optimizing the growth temperature (Tgrowth), FeTe nanoplates with either layered tetragonal or non-layered hexagonal phase can be controlled with high-quality. The two controllable phases lead to square and triangular morphologies with a thickness down to 3.6 and 2.8 nm, respectively. More importantly, transport measurements reveal that tetragonal FeTe is antiferromagnetic with a Neel temperature (TN) about 71.8 K, while hexagonal FeTe is ferromagnetic with a Curie temperature (TC) around 220 K. Theoretical calculations indicate that the ferromagnetic order in hexagonal FeTe is originated from a concomitant lattice distortion and the spin-lattice coupling. This study represents a major step forward in the CVD growth of 2D magnetic materials on SiO2/Si substrates and highlights on their potential applications in the future spintronic devices.

Strain-tunable magnetic and electronic properties of monolayer CrI3.

Abstract: Two-dimensional CrI3 has attracted much attention as it is reported to be a ferromagnetic semiconductor with a Curie temperature of around 45 K. By performing first-principles calculations, we find that the magnetic ground state of CrI3 is variable under biaxial strain. Our theoretical investigations show that the ground state of monolayer CrI3 is ferromagnetic under compression, but becomes antiferromagnetic under tension. Particularly, the transition occurs under a feasible in-plane strain of around 1.8%. Accompanied by the transition of the magnetic ground state, CrI3 undergoes a transition from magnetic-metal to half-metal to half-semiconductor to spin-relevant semiconductor when the strain varies from −15% to 10%. We attribute these transitions to the variation of the d-orbitals of Cr atoms and the p-orbitals of I atoms. Generally, we report a series of magnetic and electronic phase transitions in strained CrI3, which will help both theoretical and experimental researchers in further understanding the tunable electronic and magnetic properties of CrI3 and its analogs.

Curie-Weiss behavior of liquid structure and ideal glass state.

Abstract: We present the results of a structural study of metallic alloy liquids from high temperature through the glass transition. We use high energy X-ray scattering and electro-static levitation in combination with molecular dynamics simulation and show that the height of the first peak of the structure function, S(Q) − 1, follows the Curie-Weiss law. The structural coherence length is proportional to the height of the first peak, and we suggest that its increase with cooling may be related to the rapid increase in viscosity. The Curie temperature is negative, implying an analogy with spin-glass. The Curie-Weiss behavior provides a pathway to an ideal glass state, a state with long-range correlation without lattice periodicity, which is characterized by highly diverse local structures, reminiscent of spin-glass.

High-Temperature Ferromagnetism in an Fe3P Monolayer with a Large Magnetic Anisotropy

Abstract: For the development of high-performance spintronic nanodevices, one of the most urgent and challenging tasks is the preparation of two-dimensional materials with room-temperature ferromagnetism and a large magnetic anisotropic energy (MAE). Through first-principles swarm-intelligence structural search calculations, we identify an ideal ferromagnetic Fe3P monolayer, in which Fe atoms show a perfect Kagome lattice, leading to strong in-plane Fe-Fe coupling. The predicted Curie temperature of Fe3P reaches ∼420 K, and its MAE is comparable to those of ferromagnetic materials, such as Fe and Fe2Si. Moreover, the Fe3P monolayer remains as an above room-temperature ferromagnet under biaxial strains as large as 10%. Its lattice can be retained at temperatures of ≤1000 K, exhibiting a high thermodynamic stability. All of these desirable properties make the Fe3P monolayer a promising candidate for applications in spintronic nanodevices.

Probing Magnetism in Insulating Cr2Ge2Te6 by Induced Anomalous Hall Effect in Pt.

Abstract: Two-dimensional ferromagnet Cr2Ge2Te6 (CGT) is so resistive below its Curie temperature that probing its magnetism by electrical transport becomes extremely difficult. By forming heterostructures with Pt, however, we observe clear anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in 5 nm thick Pt deposited on thin (<50 nm) exfoliated flakes of CGT. The AHE hysteresis loops persist to ∼60 K, which matches well to the Curie temperature of CGT obtained from the bulk magnetization measurements. The slanted AHE loops with a narrow opening indicate magnetic domain formation, which is confirmed by low-temperature magnetic force microscopy (MFM) imaging. These results clearly demonstrate that CGT imprints its magnetization in the AHE signal of the Pt layer. Density functional theory calculations of CGT/Pt heterostructures suggest that the induced ferromagnetism in Pt may be primarily responsible for the observed AHE. Our results establish a powerful way of investigating magnetism in 2D insulating ferromagnets, which can potentially work for monolayer devices.

Magnon-phonon interactions in magnetic insulators

Abstract: We address the theory of magnon-phonon interactions and compute the corresponding quasiparticle and transport lifetimes in magnetic insulators, with a focus on yttrium iron garnet at intermediate temperatures from anisotropy- and exchange-mediated magnon-phonon interactions, the latter being derived from the volume dependence of the Curie temperature. We find in general weak effects of phonon scattering on magnon transport and the Gilbert damping of the macrospin Kittel mode. The magnon transport lifetime differs from the quasiparticle lifetime at shorter wavelengths.

Role of Antisite Disorder, Rare-Earth Size, and Superexchange Angle on Band Gap, Curie Temperature, and Magnetization of R2NiMnO6 Double Perovskites

Abstract: Homogeneous solid solutions of sol–gel-prepared R2NiMnO6 (R = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Y, and Ho) double perovskites crystallize in a B-site-ordered monoclinic structure (P21/n space group). Mon...

A family of high-temperature ferromagnetic monolayers with locked spin-dichroism-mobility anisotropy: MnNX and CrCX (X = Cl, Br, I; C = S, Se, Te)

Abstract: Two-dimensional magnets have received increasing attention since Cr2Ge2Te6 and CrI3 were experimentally exfoliated and measured in 2017. Although layered ferromagnetic metals were demonstrated at room temperature, a layered ferromagnetic semiconductor with high Curie temperature (Tc) is yet to be unveiled. Here, we theoretically predicted a family of high Tc ferromagnetic monolayers, namely MnNX and CrCX (X = Cl, Br and I; C = S, Se and Te). Their Tc values were predicted from over 100 K to near 500 K with Monte Carlo simulations using an anisotropic Heisenberg model. Eight members among them show semiconducting bandgaps varying from roughly 0.23 to 1.85 eV. These semiconducting monolayers also show extremely large anisotropy, i.e. ∼101 for effective masses and ∼102 for carrier mobilities, along the two in-plane lattice directions of these layers. Additional orbital anisotropy leads to a spin-locked linear dichroism, in different from previously known circular and linear dichroisms in layered materials. Together with the mobility anisotropy, it offers a spin-, dichroism- and mobility-anisotropy locking. These results manifest the potential of this 2D family for both fundamental research and high performance spin-dependent electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Ab initio simulation studies on the room-temperature ferroelectricity in two-dimensional β-phase GeS

Abstract: Stable ferroelectricity with an in-plane spontaneous polarization of 2.00 × 10−10 C/m is found in two-dimensional (2D) β-GeS monolayers from theoretical calculations, which can be effectively tuned by the applied tensile strains. The Curie temperature of the monolayer is evaluated to be 358 K by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Remarkably, the 2D ferroelectricity is found to exist in 2D few-layer β-GeS nanosheets which could be synthesized in experiments. The strong spontaneous polarization and giant pyroelectric coefficient accompanied by the appearance of phase transition near room temperature facilitate the development of β-GeS monolayers or nanosheets for applications in ferroelectric, pyroelectric, and piezoelectric devices with superior performance.

High Curie temperature and intrinsic ferromagnetic half-metallicity in two-dimensional Cr3X4 (X = S, Se, Te) nanosheets

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) intrinsic magnetic materials with room temperature ferromagnetism and complete spin-polarization are highly desirable for realizing advanced spintronic devices. However owing to the weak d–p–d super-exchange interaction, many recently realized 2D ferromagnetic (FM) materials present a very low Curie temperature (TC). Here, based on first principles calculations, we report a series of Cr3X4 (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers, in which the coexistence of two oxidation states of Cr atoms results in double-exchange interaction and thereby enhances FM coupling greatly and improves TC up to 370 K for Cr3Se4 and 460 K for Cr3Te4, respectively. Spin-polarized calculations further demonstrate that Cr3Se4 and Cr3Te4 monolayers are FM half-metals, which ideally could achieve 100% spin-polarized currents. Meanwhile, excellent dynamical and thermal stabilities are identified, and a possible synthetic strategy is proposed. Our work not only provides two competitive ferromagnetic candidate materials for nanoscale spintronic applications, but also shows that double-exchange interaction may be a way to realize 2D room temperature FM half-metals.

Boosting the Curie Temperature of Two-Dimensional Semiconducting CrI3 Monolayer through van der Waals Heterostructures

Abstract: The integration of ferromagnetic and semiconducting properties in a single two-dimensional (2D) material has been recognized as a fertile ground for fundamental science as well as for practical app...

High-Performance Sm-Doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbZrO3-PbTiO3-Based Piezoceramics.

Abstract: High-performance piezoelectric materials are pivotal to many electromechanical applications including piezoelectric actuators, sensors, and transducers. However, the general approach to achieve high piezoelectric properties by establishing morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) has limitation due to the weak anisotropy of the Gibbs free energy profile at the MPB region. Here, aliovalent Sm3+-doped 0.4Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-(0.6-x)PbZrO3-xPbTiO3 piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated by a solid-state method, where the optimized piezoelectric coefficient d33 = 910 pC/N, dielectric constant er = 4090, and Curie temperature TC = 184 °C were obtained at x = 0.352, being attributed to the synergistic contributions from the MPB and enhanced local structural heterogeneity. Rayleigh analysis was adopted to study the intrinsic and extrinsic contributions in Sm-doped PMN-PZ-PT ceramics, where the extrinsic contribution was found to be on the order of 25-67% at 4 kV/cm. Of particular significance is that a large signal d33* = 820 pm/V (at 20 kV/cm) with a minimal strain variation of 5% was achieved for a composition of x = 0.372 over the temperature range of 20-160 °C, being superior to those previously reported piezoelectric ceramic materials. This work offers a good paradigm to simultaneously achieve high piezoelectric properties with good temperature stability in ferroelectric ceramics, which have great potential for piezoelectric application at elevated temperatures.

Realizing Two-Dimensional Magnetic Semiconductors with Enhanced Curie Temperature by Antiaromatic Ring Based Organometallic Frameworks.

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic semiconductors with room-temperature ferromagnetism are very desirable. Despite the great progress made recently, the Curie temperature is still very low (∼45 K), originating from the weak ferromagnetic superexchange interaction. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we propose a general route to achieve 2D magnetic semiconductors with enhanced Curie temperature in organometallic frameworks by incorporating antiaromatic rings as organic linkers. Antiaromatic rings usually possess low-energy multiple spin states, which can be easily induced by adjacent magnetic moments of transition metals and subsequently coupled with them through the strong d–p direct exchange interaction, producing high-temperature ferrimagnetic ordering. The design of 2D organometallic frameworks with typical antiaromatic rings such as pentalene, which show Curie temperatures well above room temperature from classic Heisenberg model Monte Carlo simulations, confirms our proposal.

Electrolyte-gated magnetoelectric actuation: Phenomenology, materials, mechanisms, and prospective applications

Abstract: Manipulation of the magnetic behavior of materials with voltage (i.e., magnetoelectric actuation) has become a topic of intense research during the last years. Apart from its obvious interest from a basic science standpoint, control and eventual switching of the magnetization without applying any external magnetic field (or spin polarized current) has the potential to drastically reduce the power consumption of magnetic devices due to the lack (or minimization) of Joule heating dissipation effects. Herein, an overview of the state-of-the-art of electrolyte-gated magnetoelectric actuation (where an electric field is applied using an electrolyte, either liquid or solid) is provided. The different types of mechanisms responsible for voltage-driven magnetic actuation (surface charging, ionic migration, also termed “magneto-ionics,” reduction/oxidation reactions, and ferroelectric/ferromagnetic coupling) are summarized. The various effects (changes in coercivity, anisotropy easy axis, exchange bias field, saturation magnetization, Curie temperature, etc.) observed in the different types of materials investigated so far (mainly metallic thin films and semiconductors, porous alloys, and nanocomposite structures) are described. The potential applications of electrolyte-gated magnetoelectric actuation in devices as well as the current challenges in the field are also reviewed with the aim of providing the basic ingredients for further prospects and technological advancements in this area.

Spin chirality fluctuation in two-dimensional ferromagnets with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Abstract: Non-coplanar spin textures with scalar spin chirality can generate an effective magnetic field that deflects the motion of charge carriers, resulting in a topological Hall effect (THE)1-3. However, spin chirality fluctuations in two-dimensional ferromagnets with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy have not been considered so far. Here, we report evidence of spin chirality fluctuations by probing the THE above the Curie temperature in two different ferromagnetic ultra-thin films, SrRuO3 and V-doped Sb2Te3. The temperature, magnetic field, thickness and carrier-type dependence of the THE signal, along with Monte Carlo simulations, suggest that spin chirality fluctuations are a common phenomenon in two-dimensional ferromagnets with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Our results open a path for exploring spin chirality with topological Hall transport in two-dimensional magnets and beyond4-7.

Strain-tunable magnetic and electronic properties of monolayer CrI3

Abstract: Two-dimensional CrI3 has attracted much attention as it is reported to be a ferromagnetic semiconductor with the Curie temperature around 45K. By performing first-principles calculations, we find that the magnetic ground state of CrI3 is variable under biaxial strain. Our theoretical investigations show that the ground state of monolayer CrI3 is ferromagnetic under compression, but becomes antiferromagnetic under tension. Particularly, the transition occurs under a feasible in-plane strain around 1.8%. Accompanied by the transition of the magnetic ground state, it undergoes a transition from magnetic-metal to half-metal to half-semiconductor to spin-relevant semiconductor when strain varies from -15% to 10%. We attribute these transitions to the variation of the d-orbitals of Cr atoms and the p-orbitals of I atoms. Generally, we report a series of magnetic and electronic phase transition in strained CrI3, which will help both theoretical and experimental researchers for further understanding of the tunable electronic and magnetic properties of CrI3 and their analogous.

Room-Temperature Electrocaloric Effect in Layered Ferroelectric CuInP2S6 for Solid-State Refrigeration.

Abstract: A material with reversible temperature change capability under an external electric field, known as the electrocaloric effect (ECE), has long been considered as a promising solid-state cooling solution. However, electrocaloric (EC) performance of EC materials generally is not sufficiently high for real cooling applications. As a result, exploring EC materials with high performance is of great interest and importance. Here, we report on the ECE of ferroelectric materials with van der Waals layered structure (CuInP2S6 or CIPS in this work in particular). Over 60% polarization charge change is observed within a temperature change of only 10 K at Curie temperature. Large adiabatic temperature change (|ΔT|) of 3.3 K and isothermal entropy change (|ΔS|) of 5.8 J kg-1 K-1 at |ΔE| = 142.0 kV cm-1 and at 315 K (above and near room temperature) are achieved, with a large EC strength (|ΔT|/|ΔE|) of 29.5 mK cm kV-1. The ECE of CIPS is also investigated theoretically by numerical simulation, and a further EC performance projection is provided.

Review of U-based Ferromagnetic Superconductors: Comparison between UGe2, URhGe, and UCoGe

Abstract: The discovery in 2000 that the ferromagnetic (FM) compound UGe2 (T_Curie = 52 K at ambient pressure) becomes superconducting under a pressure of P = 1.1 GPa until it enters the paramagnetic (PM) phase above Pc = 1.6 GPa was a surprise. Successive searches for new materials (URhGe and UCoGe) led to the discovery of the coexistence of superconductivity (SC) and ferromagnetism at ambient pressure. Furthermore in UCoGe, it was found that SC survives in the PM regime from P_c = 1.1 to 4 GPa. Focus has been on low-temperature experiments under extreme conditions of magnetic field (H), pressure, and uniaxial stress. In UGe2, strong interplay exists between Fermi surface (FS) reconstructions in the cascade of different FM and PM ground states and their magnetic fluctuations. Similar phenomena occur in URhGe and UCoGe but, at first glance, the SC seems to be driven by the FM fluctuations. In UCoGe, a longitudinal field scan leads to a drastic decrease in the FM fluctuations, while a transverse field scan leads to suppression of the Curie temperature, T_Curie; the consequence is a boost in FM fluctuations, leading to a reinforcement of SC. The singularity in URhGe is the weakness of the anisotropy between c- and b-axes; the most noteworthy feature is the detection of reentrant SC near H_R. All the experimental results give evidence that the SC in these three materials originates from the FM fluctuations, which are amplitude modes of magnetic excitations in the FM state. Spin-triplet pairing has been anticipated in the FM superconductors and was actually observed by Knight-shift measurements in the SC state of UCoGe. Their fascinating (p, T, H) phase diagrams are now well established. Discussion is presented on how different theoretical approaches can describe the various phenomena discovered by experimentalists.

Lattice Dynamics, Phonon Chirality, and Spin–Phonon Coupling in 2D Itinerant Ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2

Abstract: Fe3GeTe2 has emerged as one of the most fascinating van der Waals crystals due to its two-dimensional (2D) itinerant ferromagnetism, topological nodal lines and Kondo lattice behavior. However, lattice dynamics, chirality of phonons and spin-phonon coupling in this material, which set the foundation for these exotic phenomena, have remained unexplored. Here we report the first experimental investigation of the phonons and mutual interactions between spin and lattice degrees of freedom in few-layer Fe3GeTe2. Our results elucidate three prominent Raman modes at room temperature: two A1g({\Gamma}) and one E2g({\Gamma}) phonons. The doubly degenerate E2g({\Gamma}) mode reverses the helicity of incident photon, indicating the pseudo-angular momentum and chirality. Through analysis of temperature-dependent phonon energies and lifetimes, which strongly diverge from the anharmonic model below Curie temperature, we determine the spin-phonon coupling in Fe3GeTe2. Such interaction between lattice oscillations and spin significantly enhances the Raman susceptibility, allowing us to observe two additional Raman modes at the cryogenic temperature range. In addition, we reveal laser radiation induced degradation of Fe3GeTe2 in ambient conditions and the corresponding Raman fingerprint. Our results provide the first experimental analysis of phonons in this novel 2D itinerant ferromagnet and their applicability for further fundamental studies and application development.

Ferroelectric Behavior of a Hexamethylenetetramine-Based Molecular Perovskite Structure.

Abstract: We report the development of a molecular ferroelectric material inspired by the hexamethylenetetramine (hmta) non-centrosymmetric molecular rotator. The bromide salt of diprotonated hmta (hmtaH2 ) crystalized as (hmtaH2 )(NH4 )Br3 in a metal-free ABX3 perovskite-type structure, in which the A and B sites are occupied by hmtaH22+ and ammonium cations, respectively. The compound crystallized in the Pma2 polar space group. A distorted polar perovskite structure formed owing to the distortion of {(NH4 )Br6 } octahedrons that are stabilized through the formation of NH⋅⋅⋅Br hydrogen bonds and the orientational ordering of positive charges on the non-centrosymmetric hmtaH2 molecules. This spontaneous polarization exhibited ferroelectric behavior with a nominally high Curie temperature (>400 K), in which the electrical switching of polarization originates from the rotation of the hmtaH2 unit.