The study, led by Hang Chi, Canada Research Chair in Quantum Electronic Devices and Circuits, & Assistant Professor of Physics at uOttawa’s Faculty of Science, demonstrates a new way to strengthen magnetism in materials just a few atoms thick. This is a critical step toward making these tiny magnets practical for real-world technologies.
Boosting magnetic strength by 20%
Traditional magnets are bulky and can’t be easily miniaturized for cutting-edge electronics. Ultra-thin (2D) magnets, on the other hand, are just a few atoms thick and could enable smaller, more powerful devices. However, they have a major drawback: they usually only work at extremely cold temperatures, making them impractical for everyday use.
To solve this problem, Professor Chi’s team combined these ultra-thin magnets with a special type of material called a topological insulator, which allows electrons to flow smoothly along its surface. When the two materials were layered together, the magnetism became stronger and more stable—even at higher temperatures.
“This is like giving the magnet a boost,” explains Professor Chi. “By pairing it with the right material, we can enhance its performance without damaging it. This could be a game-changer for future electronics.”
The ultra-thin magnet alone worked at around 100 kelvins, but when combined with the topological insulator, its strength further improved by 20%, functioning at higher temperatures (cf. liquid nitrogen 77 kelvins).
“This could lead to faster computers, more efficient data storage, and breakthroughs in quantum computing”
Hang Chi
— Assistant Professor of Physics at uOttawa’s Faculty of Science
Engineering more stable 2D magnets
This discovery provides scientists with a new way to engineer stronger, more stable nanoscale magnets. The next steps include testing different material combinations to push these magnets toward room-temperature operation—a critical milestone for real-world applications.
“We’re unlocking new possibilities for future technology,” says Professor Chi. “This could lead to faster computers, more efficient data storage, and breakthroughs in quantum computing.”
The study “Enhanced ferromagnetism in monolayer Cr2Te3 via topological insulator coupling” was published in Reports on Progress in Physics.
The study involved researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Ohio State University, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Harvard University, Rutgers University, Boston College, Indian Institute of Science, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Northeastern University. This research was supported, in part, by the U.S. Army Research Office (ARO), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Canada Research Chairs Program.