Revealing 2D Magnetism in a Bulk CrSBr Single Crystal by Electron Spin Resonance

Abstract

2D magnets represent material systems in which magnetic order and topological phase transitions can be observed. Based on these phenomena, novel types of computing architectures and magnetoelectronic devices can be envisaged. Unlike conventional magnetic films, their magnetism is independent of the substrate and interface qualities, and 2D magnetic properties manifest even in formally bulk single crystals. However, 2D magnetism in layered materials is rarely reported often due to weak exchange interactions and magnetic anisotropy, and low magnetic transition temperatures. Here, the electron spin resonance (ESR) properties of a layered antiferromagnetic CrSBr single crystal are reported. The W-like shape angular dependence of the ESR linewidth provides a signature for room temperature spin–spin correlations and for the XY spin model. By approaching the Néel temperature the arising of competing intralayer ferromagnetic and interlayer antiferromagnetic interactions might lead to the formation of vortex and antivortex pairs. This argument is inferred by modeling the temperature dependence of the ESR linewidth with the topological Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition. These findings together with the chemical stability and semiconducting properties, make CrSBr a promising layered magnet for future magneto- and topological-electronics.