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arXiv · 2006.00333

Ferromagnetic MnSn monolayer epitaxially grown on silicon substrate

Qian-Qian Yuan·Zhaopeng Guo·Zhi-Qiang Shi·Hui Zhao·Zhen-Yu Jia·Qianjin Wang·Jian Sun·Di Wu·Shao-Chun Li
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Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic materials have been exhibiting promising potential in applications, such as spintronics devices. To grow epitaxial magnetic films on silicon substrate, in the single-layer limit, is practically important but challenging. In this study, we realized the epitaxial growth of MnSn monolayer on Si(111) substrate, with an atomically thin Sn/Si(111)-$2\sqrt{3}\times2\sqrt{3}$- buffer layer, and controlled the MnSn thickness with atomic-layer precision. We discovered the ferromagnetism in MnSn monolayer with the Curie temperature (Tc) of ~54 K. As the MnSn film is grown to 4 monolayers, Tc increases accordingly to ~235 K. The lattice of the epitaxial MnSn monolayer as well as the Sn/Si(111)-$2\sqrt{3}\times2\sqrt{3}$ is perfectly compatible with silicon, and thus an sharp interface is formed between MnSn, Sn and Si. This system provides a new platform for exploring the 2D ferromagnetism, integrating magnetic monolayers into silicon-based technology, and engineering the spintronics heterostructures.

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Qian-Qian Yuan, Zhaopeng Guo, Zhi-Qiang Shi, Hui Zhao, Zhen-Yu Jia, Qianjin Wang, Jian Sun, Di Wu, Shao-Chun Li. 2020-05-30. Ferromagnetic MnSn monolayer epitaxially grown on silicon substrate. https://doi.org/10.1088/0256-307x%2F37%2F7%2F077502

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