You have probably heard about graphene metamaterials with extremely thin dimensions, just a layer of carbon and extracted from lead ore. Now scientists at the University of Washington and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have applied graphene-based lead separation technology to develop the world’s thinnest magnet.

It was so thin that it was recognized as the first 2D magnet, with a thickness of just one atom. It is calculated to work only in two dimensions because the charge can only move at the atomic level, which is similar to how chess moves on a chessboard. So far no 3D magnetic material has been able to maintain its electromagnetic properties after being sliced down to just one atomic thickness.

The results of this study demonstrate that magnetic phenomena exist in 2D, and their future application is endless, including the construction of quantum computers.

“In general, magnets have important applications in sensor and information technology, such as hard drives,” said Xiaodong Xu, a teacher at the Department of Physics, Engineering and Materials Studies at the university. Washington shared with Digital Trends.

“The 2D magnet will open up new potential for the development of spintronic technology on microelectronics. However, this is the first time we’ve discovered that magnets can survive a single layer in 2D, so many questions need to be answered before learning about its application. “

The study was published in the journal Nature, published last Tuesday. The article goes into the process of creating these magnets from ferromagnetic material called Chromium Triodide (CrO3). Then, in order to create magnets of just one atom, scientists used an extremely simple, easy-to-follow approach: using tape to separate the layers.

Chromium triiodide has a number of special properties, prompting researchers to assume that due to inequality – which means the electrons of the CrO3 spin in perpendicular directions within the crystal, it can Used to create 2D magnets.

Chromium Triodide

It is worth noting that the electromagnetic wave of the 2D magnet immediately disappeared when it was two atomic instead of one, but its magnetic properties returned when the three-atom magnets.