Local strain-dependent electronic structure and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of a MnGaN 2D magnetic monolayer

Yingqiao Ma, Diego Hunt, Kengyuan Meng, Tyler Erickson, Fengyuan Yang, María Andrea Barral, Valeria Ferrari, and Arthur R. Smith
Phys. Rev. Materials 4, 064006 – Published 22 June 2020
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Abstract

Local strain-dependent spin-polarized electronic structure of a two-dimensional (2D) magnetic layer is an exciting property for practical applications. For example, it holds the promise for advanced ultrathin spintronic nanodevices with customized electronic and magnetic properties by local strain engineering. Here, we demonstrate that the spin-polarized electronic structure of a 2D manganese gallium nitride (MnGaN-2D) magnetic monolayer is sensitive to intrinsic local lattice strain, as proven by first-principles calculations and indicated by scanning tunneling spectroscopy measurements. Atomic resolution images reveal a highly non-Gaussian lattice spacing/strain distribution, while the spectroscopy reveals variations in the electronic density of states. Simulations of the MnGaN-2D monolayer based on first-principles calculations, including both isotropic and anisotropic strains, confirm a highly strain-dependent manganese partial density of states. Spin-orbit coupling is included which indicates either out-of-plane perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) or in-plane magnetic anisotropy, dependent on the type of strain whether compressive or tensile, suggesting that MnGaN-2D is magnetoelastic. The MnGaN-2D PMA is further supported by superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry measurements which reveal a high spin polarization of 79% at room temperature.

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  • Received 4 January 2020
  • Revised 30 March 2020
  • Accepted 4 May 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.4.064006

©2020 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Condensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

Authors & Affiliations

Yingqiao Ma1,*, Diego Hunt2,3,*, Kengyuan Meng4, Tyler Erickson1, Fengyuan Yang4, María Andrea Barral2,3, Valeria Ferrari2,3, and Arthur R. Smith1,†

  • 1Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA
  • 2Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, GIyA, CAC, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Avenida General Paz 1499 (1650) San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • 3Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología INN (CNEA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • 4Department of Physics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA

  • *These authors contributed equally to this work.
  • ohiousmith@gmail.com

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Issue

Vol. 4, Iss. 6 — June 2020

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