{
  "id": "2311.08529",
  "version": "v1",
  "published": "2023-11-14T20:55:15.000Z",
  "updated": "2023-11-14T20:55:15.000Z",
  "title": "Visualizing thickness-dependent magnetic textures in few-layer $\\text{Cr}_2\\text{Ge}_2\\text{Te}_6$",
  "authors": [
    "Andriani Vervelaki",
    "Kousik Bagani",
    "Daniel Jetter",
    "Manh-Ha Doan",
    "Tuan K. Chau",
    "Boris Gross",
    "Dennis Christensen",
    "Peter Bøggild",
    "Martino Poggio"
  ],
  "comment": "15 pages, 4 figures, and supplementary information",
  "categories": [
    "cond-mat.mes-hall",
    "cond-mat.mtrl-sci"
  ],
  "abstract": "Magnetic ordering in two-dimensional (2D) materials has recently emerged as a promising platform for data storage, computing, and sensing. To advance these developments, it is vital to gain a detailed understanding of how the magnetic order evolves on the nanometer-scale as a function of the number of atomic layers and applied magnetic field. Here, we image few-layer $\\text{Cr}_2\\text{Ge}_2\\text{Te}_6$ using a combined scanning superconducting quantum interference device and atomic force microscopy probe. Maps of the material's stray magnetic field as a function of applied magnetic field reveal its magnetization per layer as well as the thickness-dependent magnetic texture. Using a micromagnetic model, we correlate measured stray-field patterns with the underlying magnetization configurations, including labyrinth domains and skyrmionic bubbles. Comparison between real-space images and simulations demonstrates that the layer dependence of the material's magnetic texture is a result of the thickness-dependent balance between crystalline and shape anisotropy. These findings represent an important step towards 2D spintronic devices with engineered spin configurations and controlled dependence on external magnetic fields.",
  "revisions": [
    {
      "version": "v1",
      "updated": "2023-11-14T20:55:15.000Z"
    }
  ],
  "analyses": {
    "keywords": [
      "visualizing thickness-dependent magnetic textures",
      "superconducting quantum interference device",
      "applied magnetic field",
      "materials stray magnetic field",
      "magnetic order"
    ],
    "note": {
      "typesetting": "TeX",
      "pages": 15,
      "language": "en",
      "license": "arXiv",
      "status": "editable"
    }
  }
}