Atomic‐Scale Detection of Néel Vector Switching in the Single‐Layer A‐Type Antiferromagnet Cr 2 S 3 ‐2D

Abstract

ABSTRACT The detection of Néel vector switching in a single‐layer A‐type antiferromagnet marks an important step toward functional two‐dimensional spintronics. Here, ‐2D, grown on graphene on Ir(110), is established as a first single‐layer A‐type antiferromagnet. Spin‐polarized scanning tunneling microscopy reveals hysteresis loops with a large switching field and a pronounced dependence on island size. X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism at the Cr edges exhibits a tiny signal with a linear magnetic field dependence, consistent with an antiferromagnetic ground state with an estimated net moment below per Cr and a Néel temperature of about 160 K. Quantitative analysis of the island‐size dependence of the switching field, together with first‐principles calculations, indicates a slight imbalance between the magnetic moments of the two Cr planes of ‐2D when supported on a substrate. This imbalance results in a net magnetization for the A‐type antiferromagnet, which enables the 180 rotation of the Néel vector. Moreover, ‐2D retains its magnetic properties after several days of exposure to air.