[Paper Review] Integrating 2D Magnets for Quantum Devices: from Materials and Characterization to Future Technology

Han Zhong, Douglas Z. Plummer+4 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Jun 17, 2024

Magnetic Field Sensors Techniques4 citations

TL;DR

This review synthesizes recent advances in 2D van der Waals magnets for quantum devices, emphasizing electric control of magnetism, heterostructure engineering, and emergent quantum phenomena such as topological states and skyrmions. It highlights voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy, strain tuning, twistronics, and designer interfaces as key enablers for non-volatile memory, spintronic logic, and topological quantum computing.

ABSTRACT

The unveiling of 2D van der Waals magnetism in 2017 ignited a surge of interest in low-dimensional magnetism. With dimensions reduced, research has delved into facile electric control of 2D magnetism, high-quality heterostructure design, and new device functionality. These atomically thin magnetic materials have spawned a burgeoning field known as 2D spintronics, holding immense promise for future quantum technologies. In this review, we comprehensively survey the current advancements in 2D magnet-based quantum devices, accentuating their role in manifesting exotic properties and enabling novel functionalities. Topological states, spin torques, voltage control of magnetic anisotropy, strain engineering, twistronics and designer interface will be discussed. Furthermore, we offer an outlook to guide their development in future CMOS and quantum hardware paradigms.

Motivation & Objective

• To comprehensively review the state-of-the-art in 2D magnet-based quantum devices and their integration into future technologies.
• To identify and analyze key mechanisms enabling dynamic control of magnetic properties, including voltage control, strain, and twistronics.
• To examine the role of 2D magnets in enabling exotic quantum phenomena such as topological order, skyrmions, and Majorana fermions.
• To assess challenges in stability, defect control, and scalability for practical applications in non-volatile memory and spintronics.
• To outline future research directions for integrating 2D magnets into CMOS and quantum hardware platforms.

Proposed method

• Systematic review of experimental and theoretical advances in 2D van der Waals magnets from 2017 onward.
• Analysis of magnetic properties in materials like CrI3, CrBr3, MnBi2Te4, and Fe3GeTe2 using density functional theory and advanced characterization techniques.
• Investigation of voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) and spin-orbit torque (SOT) for electrically driven magnetic switching.
• Exploration of twistronics in 2D magnets, including the emergence of correlated and topological magnetic states in twisted bilayers.
• Examination of heterostructure engineering with superconductors and topological insulators to realize Majorana zero modes.
• Evaluation of strain engineering and interface design for tuning magnetic anisotropy and coercivity at the nanoscale.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How can 2D magnetic materials enable electric control of magnetic anisotropy and facilitate low-power spintronic devices?
• RQ2 What role do 2D topological states and skyrmions play in hosting Majorana fermions and enabling topological quantum computation?
• RQ3 How does twistronics in 2D magnetic heterostructures lead to emergent correlated and topological magnetic phases?
• RQ4 What are the key challenges in achieving stable, defect-free 2D magnets for scalable quantum and CMOS-compatible devices?
• RQ5 How can artificial intelligence and predictive modeling accelerate the discovery of new 2D magnetic materials with tailored functionalities?

Key findings

• 2D van der Waals magnets such as CrI3 and Fe3GeTe2 exhibit intrinsic ferromagnetic order down to the monolayer limit, enabling atomically thin magnetic devices.
• Voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy in 2D heterostructures enables electric switching of magnetization with sub-nanosecond timescales and low energy dissipation.
• Twisted 2D magnetic heterostructures, such as in twisted bilayer CrI3, demonstrate tunable magnetic order and potential for correlated and topological phases.
• 2D magnetic skyrmions with sizes down to a few nanometers can be electrically manipulated, offering promise for high-density, low-power memory and logic devices.
• Coexistence of superconductivity and magnetism in 2D heterostructures enables the observation of one-dimensional Majorana edge modes via low-temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopy.
• Defect control and environmental stability remain critical challenges, as materials like CrI3 degrade rapidly in ambient conditions due to oxidation.