Proximity effect of a two-dimensional van der Waals magnet Fe3GeTe2 on nickel films

Abstract

Recent advances in two-dimensional van der Waals (2D vdW) magnets provide new platforms to study their magnetism in reduced dimensions. However, most of the studies performed to date have been limited to low temperatures. Here, we report the proximity effect of a 2D vdW magnet Fe₃GeTe₂ (FGT) on nickel (Ni) films at room temperature. Ferromagnetic resonance measurements show that FGT can increase the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and magnetic damping of the adjacent Ni film. Such an interfacial effect is observed at room temperature, and becomes more pronounced as the temperature decreases. A similar effect is also achieved in another 2D heterostructure of Cr₂Ge₂Te₆/Ni, implying its universality in a variety of 2D magnetic materials. Our work provides a new approach for utilizing 2D magnets in spintronics at room temperature.