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Results for “magnetic layered materials”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Laminated magnetic materials for on-chip magnetic inductors/transformers

A technique relates to a method of forming a laminated multilayer magnetic structure. An adhesion layer is deposited on a substrate. A magnetic seed layer is deposited on top of the adhesion layer. Magnetic layers and non-magnetic spacer layers are alternatingly deposited such that an even number of the magnetic layers is deposited while an odd number of the non-magnetic spacer layers is deposited. The odd number is one less than the even number. Every two of the magnetic layers is separated by one of the non-magnetic spacer layers. The first of the magnetic layers is deposited on the magnetic seed layer, and the magnetic layers each have a thickness less than 500 nanometers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Numerical investigation of magneto-inertial fusion targets magnetized by dynamic enforcement of helical current flow

Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) targets require premagnetization to reduce thermal conduction losses from the laser-heated fuel to the liner material during implosion. MagLIF targets are typically magnetized by external magnetic field coils which are technologically limited to providing <20 T axial magnetic fields in the fusion fuel. We present a novel target design, AutoMag-D, which employs dynamic enforcement of helical current in the liner, resulting in >20 T axial magnetic field in the fuel region prior to implosion without the need of external magnetic field coils. These self-magnetizing liners are made of helically oriented alternating electrically conductive material and electrically insulating material surrounded by a thin, conductive outer radial layer. As the liner is pulsed with a ∼ 20 MA, ∼ 100 ns rise time drive current from Z, the outer layer of conductive material is shocked and intensely Joule heated, causing it to melt, vaporize, and turn to plasma. This allows the magnetic drive field to diffuse radially inward which dynamically enforces current flow in the helical conduction paths in the liner and produces axial magnetic field in the fuel region prior to implosion of the inner liner surface. AutoMag-D liner designs do not require dielectric breakdown of electrically insulating material (as in traditional auto-magnetizing helical liners) and do not require helical return current geometries (as in dynamic screw pinches). We present results from three-dimensional radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of MagLIF implosions employing AutoMag-D liner designs. Simulated AutoMag-D targets demonstrate improved fuel conditions and thermonuclear yield compared to traditional MagLIF.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Pressure‐Induced Structural and Magnetic Evolution in Layered Antiferromagnet YbMn 2 Sb 2

Electronic states under pressure exhibit unconventional spin and charge dynamics that provide a powerful route to uncover exotic phases in quantum materials. Here, we present the structural, magnetic, and electronic evolution of YbMn 2 Sb 2 under pressure. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals a pressure-induced structural transition from the space group trigonal P$\overline{3}$m1 to the monoclinic P2 1 /m phase near 3.5 GPa, which remains stable up to 10 GPa. Magnetization measurements display an anomalously weak net magnetic moment and the absence of Curie–Weiss behavior up to 400 K, suggesting the formation of short-range Mn moment pairs that cancel macroscopically and subsequently evolve into long-range order upon cooling. Temperature-dependent resistivity shows semiconducting behavior with a transition at ∼119 K at ambient pressure, while pressure induces a dramatic suppression of resistance and the emergence of metallic-like temperature dependence, stabilized beyond 5 GPa. This pressure-driven semiconductor-metal transition is consistent with our density functional theory calculations, confirming the closing of the band gap under compression. Neutron diffraction under pressure identifies an incommensurate magnetic structure with antiparallel correlations between paired spins. Together, these results demonstrate how pressure-driven structural tuning and competing exchange interactions stabilize unconventional magnetic states in this low-dimensional magnetic semiconductor.

antiferromagnetic semiconductor↗
NASA NTRS1988

A tandem mirror hybrid plume plasma propulsion facility

A concept in electrodeless plasma propulsion, which is also capable of delivering a variable Isp, is presented. The concept involves a three-stage system of plasma injection, heating, and subsequent ejection through a magnetic nozzle. The nozzle produces the hybrid plume by the coaxial injection of hypersonic neutral gas. The gas layer, thus formed, protects the material walls from the hot plasma and, through increased collisions, helps detach it from the diverging magnetic field. The physics of this concept is evaluated numerically through full spatial and temporal simulations; these explore the operating characteristics of such a device over a wide region of parameter space. An experimental facility to study the plasma dynamics in the hybrid plume was built. The device consists of a tandem mirror operating in an asymmetric mode. A later upgrade of this system will incorporate a cold plasma injector at one end of the machine. Initial experiments involve the full characterization of the operating envelope, as well as extensive measurements of plasma properties at the exhaust. The results of the numerical simulations are described.

Chang-Diaz, F. R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Magnetic order in the S eff =1/2 triangular-lattice compound NdCd 3 ⁢P 3

Here, we present and characterize a new member of the R⁢Cd 3 ⁢P 3 (R=rare earth) family of materials, NdCd 3 ⁢P 3 , which possesses Nd 3+ cations arranged on well-separated triangular lattice layers. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements demonstrate a likely S eff =1/2 ground state, and also reveal the formation of long-range antiferromagnetic order at T N =0.34K. Via measurements of magnetization, heat capacity, and electrical resistivity, we characterize the electronic properties of NdCd 3 ⁢P 3 and compare results to density functional theory calculations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Intrinsic magnetism in superconducting infinite-layer nickelates

The discovery of superconductivity in Nd 0.8 Sr 0.2 NiO 2 introduced a new family of layered nickelate superconductors that has now been extended to include a range of Sr-doping, Pr or La in place of Nd, and the 5-layer Nd 6 Ni 5 O 12 . A number of studies indicate that electron correlations are strong in these materials, and hence a central question is whether or not magnetism is present as a consequence of these interactions. Here we report muon spin rotation/relaxation studies of a series of superconducting infinite-layer nickelates. In all cases we observe an intrinsic magnetic ground state, regardless of the rare earth ion or doping, arising from local moments on the nickel sublattice. Further, the coexistence of magnetism - which is likely to be antiferromagnetic and short-range ordered - with superconductivity is reminiscent of some iron pnictides and heavy fermion compounds, and qualitatively distinct from the doped cuprates.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Pressure dependent magnetic properties on bulk CrBr 3 single crystals

The van der Waals class of materials offer an approach to two-dimensional magnetism as their spin fluctuations can be tuned upon exfoliation of layers. Moreover, it has recently been shown that spin-lattice coupling and long-range magnetic ordering can be modified with pressure in van der Waals materials. In this work, the magnetic properties of quasi two-dimensional CrBr 3 are reported applying hydrostatic pressure. The application of pressure up to 0.844 GPa shows a 1.77% decrease in saturation magnetization with a decrease in the Curie temperature from 33.05 to 30.41 K. Density functional theory calculations with pressure up to 1 GPa show a reduction in volume and interplanar distance as pressure increases. To further understand the magnetic properties with applied pressure, the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) and exchange coupling parameter (J) are calculated. There is small decrease in MAE and the first nearest neighbor interaction (J 1 ) (U = 2.7 eV and J = 0.7 eV) is increasing with respect to increasing pressure. Overall, CrBr 3 displays ferromagnetic interlayer coupling and the calculated exchange coupling and MAE parameters match well with the observations from the experimental work.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Phonons and phase symmetries in bulk CrCl 3 from scattering measurements and theory

Phonon-derived behaviors are important indicators of novel phenomena in transition metal trihalides, including spin liquid behavior, two-dimensional magnetism, and spin-lattice coupling. However, phonons and their dependence on spin structure and excitations have not been adequately explored. In this work, we probe and critically examine the vibrational properties of the prototype ferromagnetic honeycomb lattice material CrCl 3 using inelastic neutron scattering and density functional theory. We demonstrate that magnetic and van der Waals interactions are essential to describing the structure and phonons in CrCl 3 ; however, the specific spin configuration is unimportant. Further, this provides context for understanding thermal transport measurements as governed by dynamical spin-lattice couplings. More importantly, we introduce an efficient dynamic method that exploits translational symmetries in large conventional unit cells that generates insights into phonon dispersions, interactions, and measured spectra in terms of quantum phase interference conditions. This work opens new avenues for understanding phonons in layered magnets and more generally in conventional cell geometries of a variety of materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Investigation of spin and magnetism in two dimensional materials with atomic-scale spatial resolution (Final Technical Report)

Spintronics is an approach to energy-efficient electronics beyond silicon CMOS that utilizes the electron’s spin degree of freedom for memory and logic. The record spin diffusion length in graphene has generated considerable interest in two dimensional (2D) materials (i.e. graphene and beyond) as a platform for spintronics. Magnetism in 2D van der Waals materials may offer additional opportunities for tunability via strain, external fields, and layer-dependent quantum effects. The inherently atomic-scale nature of exchange interactions and the inherently all-surface nature of 2D sheets motivate an integrated approach combining atomic-scale magnetic characterization, epitaxial growth, and nanodevice fabrication. The mission of the research is to develop and utilize atomic-scale imaging of spin and magnetism via spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in conjunction with atom-by-atom materials growth via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and nanoscale device fabrication to explore new frontiers of spintronics and quantum science in 2D materials. The PIs are particularly motivated by understanding how the magnetic and spin-dependent properties at the atomic scale lead to interesting and potentially useful phenomena in spintronic devices at the macroscopic scale.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Giant Exfoliation Induced Magnetic Coercivity in Fe 3 GaTe 2

Permanent magnets with strong anisotropy and high coercivity underpin modern information and energy technologies, yet rare-earth-free alternatives remain limited. Here, we show that thickness engineering via mechanical exfoliation induces hard magnetic behavior in the van der Waals ferromagnet Fe 3 GaTe 2 . Bulk crystals exhibit Curie temperatures above 350 K but negligible room-temperature coercivity. When thinned below ∼100 nm, the coercive field is dramatically enhanced, reaching nearly 1 T at room temperature for in-plane fields—comparable to conventional hard magnets. Micromagnetic analysis reveals a crossover in magnetization reversal from domain-mediated processes in bulk samples to quasi-coherent rotation in thin flakes, driven by increased effective anisotropy and suppressed domain formation. This thickness-dependent transition enables tuning of magnetic hardness without chemical modification. Combined with high saturation magnetization and robust room-temperature performance, Fe 3 GaTe 2 emerges as a promising rare-earth-free material for spintronic applications. Its layered structure further allows integration into van der Waals heterostructures, where large in-plane coercivity can stabilize magnetic states against perturbations and interlayer coupling, offering potential for high-density nonvolatile memory and domain-wall-based devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Enabling room-temperature ferromagnetism in few-layered MoS 2 films via strain engineering

Strain engineering presents a promising pathway for modulating the physical properties of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides materials. Here, in this study, we investigate the strain-induced magnetic behavior of diamagnetic MoS 2 films prepared by the DC magnetron sputtering technique. By applying +1% tensile strain to few-layered MoS 2 films (∼3.5 nm), we observe the emergence of room-temperature ferromagnetism with a magnetization saturation of about ∼130 emu/cm 3 , in stark contrast to bulk films (∼40 nm), which remain diamagnetic under similar conditions. Raman spectroscopy reveals a pronounced reduction in the intensity and the splitting of the E′ mode in 1% strained few-layered films, indicating a possible bond elongation and symmetry breaking under tensile stress. Additionally, x-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Mo M 3 edge further confirms a strain-induced electronic structure modification in few-layered films, with no corresponding shift observed in bulk counterparts. Moreover, the strain-induced magnetic and structural changes are largely reversible upon strain release. We attribute the origin of ferromagnetism in few-layered films to the combined influence of tensile strain and defect-assisted bond weakening, which facilitates crystal field transitions within the Mo 4d orbitals. These findings demonstrate that strain engineering can effectively induce and modulate magnetism in 2D materials, providing opportunities for developing strain-controlled spintronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electronic structure, magnetic properties, spin orientation, and doping effect in Mn 3 Si 2 Te 6

The layered material Mn 3 Si 2 Te 6 , with alternating stacking honeycomb and triangular layers, is attracting considerable attention due to its rich physical properties. Here, in this study, using density functional theory and classical Monte Carlo (MC) methods, we systematically study this system with the 3d 5 electronic configuration. Near the Fermi level, the states are mainly contributed by Te 5p orbitals hybridized with Mn 3d orbitals, resembling a charge-transfer system. Furthermore, the spin orientations of the ferrimagnetic (FiM) ground state display different conductive behaviors when along the ab plane or out-of-plane directions: insulating vs metallic states. The energy difference between the FiM [110] insulating and FiM [001] metallic phases is very small (~0.71 meV/Mn) . Changing the angle θ of spin orientation from in-plane to out-of-plane directions, the band gaps of this system are gradually reduced, leading to an insulator-metal transition, resulting in an enhanced electrical conductivity, related to the colossal angular magnetoresistance (MR) effect. Although the three main magnetic couplings were found to be antiferromagnetic, overall the ground state is FiM. In addition, we also constructed the magnetic phase diagram using the classical XY spin model studied with the MC method. Three magnetic phases were obtained, including antiferromagnetic order, noncollinear spin patterns, and FiM order. Moreover, we also investigated the Se and Ge doping into the Mn 3 Si 2 Te 6 system: the FiM state has the lowest energy among the magnetic candidates for both Se- and Ge-doped cases. The magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) decreases in the Se-doped case because the Mn orbital moment is reduced as the doping x increases. Due to the small spin-orbit-coupling effect of Se, the insulator-metal transition caused by the spin orientation disappears in the Se-doped case, resulting in an insulating phase in the FiM [001] phase. This causes a reduced colossal angular MR. However, both the MAE and the band gap of the Ge-doped case do not change much with increasing doping x . Our results for Mn 3 Si 2 Te 6 could provide guidance to experimentalists and theorists working on this system or related materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evidence for a single-layer van der Waals multiferroic

Here we searched for signatures of type-II multiferroic order in ultrathin van der Waals materials, to determine if such a state, comprising coexisting electrical polarization and spin order with strong magnetoelectric effects, could persist down to a single-atomic layer. We reported the first observation of such a state in triangular lattice material NiI 2 . This system has a layered structure and built-in magnetic frustration that promotes a complex magnetic ground state with proper-screw spin helices. The spin helix pattern breaks inversion symmetry and induces electrical polarization via magnetoelectric coupling. We use circular dichroic Raman measurements to directly probe the magneto-chiral ground state and its electromagnon modes originating from dynamic magnetoelectric coupling. Using birefringence and second-harmonic generation measurements, we detect a highly anisotropic electronic state simultaneously breaking three-fold rotational and inversion symmetry. The evolution of the optical signatures as a function of temperature and layer number surprisingly revealed a multiferroic state that persists down to the ultrathin limit of monolayer NiI 2 . These observations establish NiI 2 and transition metal dihalides as a new platform for studying emergent multiferroic phenomena, chiral magnetic textures and ferroelectricity in the 2D limit.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Canted standing spin-wave modes of permalloy thin films observed by ferromagnetic resonance

Non-collinear spin structures in materials that combine perpendicular and in-plane magnetic anisotropies are of great technological interest for microwave and spin wave-assisted magnetization switching. [Co/Pt] multilayers are well-known perpendicular anisotropy materials that have the potential to pin the magnetization of a soft magnetic layer, such as permalloy (Py), that has in-plane anisotropy, thereby forming a magnetic exchange spring. Here we report on multilayered [Co/Pt]/Pt/Py films, where an additional ultrathin Pt spacer has been included to control the coupling between the sub-units with in-plane and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Vector network analyser (VNA)-ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) measurements were made to obtain a complete picture of the resonant conditions, while the dynamical response of the sub-units was probed by synchrotron-based element- and phase selective x-ray detected FMR (XFMR). For all samples, only slight pinning of the dynamic magnetization of the Py by the [Co/Pt] was noted, and the FMR results were dominated by the 50 nm thick Py layer. Out-of-plane VNA-FMR maps reveal the presence of additional modes, e.g. a perpendicular standing spin-wave (PSSW) state. However, as the magnetic field is reduced below the saturation field, the PSSW state morphs continuously through a series of canted standing spin-wave (CSSW) states into a horizontal standing spin-wave (HSSW) state. The PSSW, CSSW and HSSW states are well described using a multilayer model of the Py film. The observation of CSSW modes is of particular relevance to microwave assisted magnetic recording, where microwave excitation stimulates precession of a soft layer canted out of plane by a pulsed magnetic field.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Microscopic Scattering Approach to In-Gap States

We develop a microscopic scattering formalism to describe Yu-Shiba-Rusinov (YSR) states due to a single Cr adatom on the Bi-terminated surface of beta Bi2Pd, by combining ab initio Wannier functions with a real-space Green's function approach in the Bogoliubov-de Gennes formalism[1]. Our framework reproduces key scanning tunneling spectroscopy features, including a single particle-hole asymmetric YSR peak and isotropic dIdV maps around the impurity. Decomposing the YSR states reveals contributions from four nearly degenerate C4v representations, with energy broadening masking their individual signatures. Spin-orbit coupling induces partial spin polarization, while the spatial asymmetry between particle and hole components arises from Cr d-Bi p hybridization. These results highlight the importance of realistic band structures and microscopic modeling for interpreting STM data for magnetic in-gap states on superconductors. Further advances examining layered 2D material surfaces, such as NbSe2, will be described[2]. For this system the superconducting properties are obtained from a full anisotropic Eliashberg calculation of the superconducting order parameter along with the charge density wave gap. Additional features associated with proposals to measure the dynamics of these individual YSR states will be presented. [1] arXiv:2507.08740 [2] arXiv:2507.11856

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Systematic electronic structure in the cuprate parent state from quantum many-body simulations

The quantitative description of correlated electron materials remains a modern computational challenge. We demonstrate a numerical strategy to simulate correlated materials at the fully ab initio level beyond the solution of effective low-energy models and apply it to gain a detailed microscopic understanding across a family of cuprate superconducting materials in their parent undoped states. We uncover microscopic trends in the electron correlations and reveal the link between the material composition and magnetic energy scales through a many-body picture of excitation processes involving the buffer layers. Our work illustrates a path toward a quantitative and reliable understanding of more complex states of correlated materials at the ab initio many-body level.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Magnetocaloric effect observations near room temperature in few-layered chromium telluride (Cr 2 Te 3 )

Transition metal telluride compositions are explored extensively for their unique magnetic behavior. Few-layered chromium telluride (Cr 2 T e3 ) exhibits a near-room-temperature phase transition, where the material can be effectively used in applications such as magnetic refrigeration. Compared to existing magnetocaloric materials, Heusler alloys, and rare-earth-based alloys, the large-scale synthesis of mechanically exfoliated Cr 2 Te 3 involves less complexity, resulting in a stable composition. Compared to existing tellurides, Cr 2 Te 3 exhibited a large change in magnetic entropy (|ΔS M |) of 1.88 J k g−1 K −1 at a magnetic field of 4 T. A refrigeration capacity (RC) of ∼82 J kg −1 was determined from the change in magnetic entropy versus temperature curve. The results were comparable with those for existing Cr-based compounds. First-principles density functional theory (DFT) confirmed the magnetic properties of Cr 2 Te 3 , including a near-room-temperature Curie temperature, T C , consistent with experimental results. Here, structural transition was also observed using first-principles DFT, which is responsible for the magnetic behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Chirality Transfer to the Magnetic Sublattice in the Hybrid Perovskite (R)-/(S)-3-Fluoropyrrolidinium Copper(II) Chloride

Incorporating chiral organic cations into organic–inorganic hybrid materials has been shown to enable the inorganic sublattice to display chiroptical properties. We report a new two-dimensional magnetic (S = 1/2) chiral metal halide perovskite, (R)- and (S)-(C 4 H 9 FN) 2 CuCl 4 (where (C 4 H 9 FN) + is 3-fluoropyrrolidinium), which consists of Cu–Cl inorganic layers separated by (C 4 H 9 FN) + organic cations. The presence of the chiral (C 4 H 9 FN) + organic cation induces the formation of chiral magnetic order, even though the inorganic sublattice itself is nearly structurally centrosymmetric. We also report the racemic variant, containing an equal amount of (R)- and (S)- cations, which shows no evidence of chiral magnetic order. When the magnetic susceptibility is measured perpendicular to the inorganic Cu–Cl layer propagation direction, an antiferromagnetic phase transition at Néel temperature T N = 2.23 K is observed in both the chiral and racemic materials, and the existence of the magnetic phase transition is supported by specific heat capacity measurements. Field-induced magnetic chirality is observed through the existence of a second-order magnetoelectric effect in the chiral variant, while no magnetoelectric signal is observed for the racemic material, indicating the absence of magnetic chirality. Our findings demonstrate that materials exhibiting chiral magnetic order can be created through the incorporation of a chiral cation into an organic–inorganic hybrid magnetic material, potentially allowing for the design of tailored materials that combine chiral magnetism with other desirable optical and electronic properties that come from structural chirality.

Cations↗