The direct observation of ferromagnetic domain of single crystal CrSiTe3

Abstract

Layered van der Waals interacting system that can be exfoliated to few layers are promising for exploring fundamental physics with rich electronic and optical properties. Combining the emerging phenomenon with long-range magnetic orders could lead to novel potential ultra-compact spintronics. Recently, CrXTe3 (X=Ge, Si) were reported that can persist magnetism after being exfoliated to few layers, however the magnetic domain structure in layered or bulk single crystal has remained unexplored. Here we choose CrSiTe3 single crystal as a model system, combining low-temperature magnetic force microscope, to demonstrate the magnetic domain structure, as well as the domain evolution in the presence of magnetic field, which is consistent with the magnetic behaviors measured by Magnetic Properties Measurement System (MPMS). Our result gives a simple portray of the magnetic properties of single crystal CrSiTe3, which provides a basis for the future research on magnetic layered van der Waals interacting system in potential application at 2-dimensional limit.