Engineering ultra-thin magnets for next-gen electronics

A team of international researchers led by the University of Ottawa has made a breakthrough in the development of ultra-thin magnets — a discovery that could lead to faster, more energy-efficient electronics, quantum computers and advanced communication systems.

The study, led by Hang Chi, Canada Research Chair in Quantum Electronic Devices and Circuits, and Assistant Professor of Physics at uOttawa’s Faculty of Science, demonstrates a new way to strengthen magnetism in materials just a few atoms thick. This is a critical step towards making these tiny magnets practical for real-world technologies.

Boosting magnetic strength by 20%

Traditional magnets are bulky and can’t be easily miniaturised for cutting-edge electronics. Ultra-thin (2D) magnets, on the other hand, are just a few atoms thick and could enable smaller, more powerful devices. However, they have a major drawback: they usually only work at extremely cold temperatures, making them impractical for everyday use.

To solve this problem, Chi’s team combined these ultra-thin magnets with a special type of material called a topological insulator, which allows electrons to flow smoothly along its surface. When the two materials were layered together, the magnetism became stronger and more stable — even at higher temperatures.

“This is like giving the magnet a boost. By pairing it with the right material, we can enhance its performance without damaging it. This could be a game changer for future electronics,” Chi said.

The ultra-thin magnet alone worked at around 100 kelvins, but when combined with the topological insulator, its strength further improved by 20%, functioning at higher temperatures (cf. liquid nitrogen 77 kelvins).

Engineering more stable 2D magnets

This discovery provides scientists with a new way to engineer stronger, more stable nanoscale magnets. The next steps include testing different material combinations to push these magnets towards room-temperature operation — a critical milestone for real-world applications.

“We’re unlocking new possibilities for future technology,” Chi said. “This could lead to faster computers, more efficient data storage, and breakthroughs in quantum computing.”

The research findings have been published in Reports on Progress in Physics.

Image credit: iStock.com/jiefeng jiang