In a groundbreaking development that could revolutionize the energy sector, researchers have successfully manipulated magnetic domains in a two-dimensional (2D) material using a technique that combines precision and control. The study, led by Chak-Ming Liu from the Department of Physics at National Taiwan Normal University, demonstrates the localized creation of bubble domains in Fe₃GaTe₂, a 2D ferromagnetic material, using conductive atomic force microscopy. This advancement opens new avenues for developing next-generation spintronic devices, which could significantly enhance energy efficiency in various applications.
The research, published in Applied Surface Science Advances, shows that by applying a bias voltage to the tip of the microscope under a perpendicular magnetic field, sufficient current is generated to induce localized Joule heating. This process transforms random stripe domains into stable bubble domains, even under ambient conditions at room temperature. The stability of these bubble domains was confirmed using magnetic force microscopy, revealing that the average diameters of the bubble domains varied with the thickness of the Fe₃GaTe₂ layers. For layers with thicknesses of 1 μm, 200 nm, and 100 nm, the average diameters were measured at 620 ± 100 nm, 325 ± 80 nm, and 230 ± 70 nm, respectively.
Liu emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating, “The ability to control and manipulate magnetic domains at such a precise level is a game-changer. It allows us to explore new possibilities in spintronic devices, which could lead to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.”
The study also highlights the tunability of magnetic textures in 2D ferromagnets. By optimizing parameters such as bias voltage, application duration, and tip temperature based on the thickness of the Fe₃GaTe₂ layers, the induced bubble domain density could be precisely controlled. This control ranges from a few bubble domains within areas smaller than 5 μm² to nearly 10⁴ bubble domains within 1200 μm². Moreover, the re-writability of the domain structures was demonstrated through multi-point triggering, with non-overlapping domains remaining unaffected.
The implications of this research are vast. Spintronic devices, which use the spin of electrons to process and store information, have the potential to revolutionize the energy sector by reducing power consumption and increasing efficiency. The ability to manipulate magnetic domains with such precision could lead to the development of more advanced and efficient spintronic devices, paving the way for innovations in data storage, computing, and energy management.
As Liu noted, “This research provides a foundation for developing next-generation spintronic devices based on 2D heterostructures. The potential applications are vast, and we are excited to see how this technology will shape the future of the energy sector.”
The findings published in Applied Surface Science Advances, which translates to “Applied Surface Science Advances,” mark a significant step forward in the field of magnetism and 2D materials. The ability to control and manipulate magnetic domains with such precision opens up new possibilities for developing more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, potentially transforming the way we store and process information in the future.
