Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures built by the vertical stacking of various 2D materials provide an ideal platform for the rational design of emergent phenomena. The recent discovery of atomically thin magnetic vdW materials has created new opportunities to explore 2D magnetism in magnetic vdW heterostructures. In this talk, I will report our recent studies on 2D magnet chromium triiodide (CrI₃) and its vdW heterostructures. I will first introduce the unique layer-dependent magnetism in CrI₃ enabled by the antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling. Giant tunneling magnetoresistance is achieved by using CrI₃ as a tunnel barrier in vdW magnetic tunnel junctions. I will then discuss the control of interlayer magnetism and switching of magnetic states via pressure tunning of layer stacking. I will also report the helicity-dependent photocurrent in CrI₃ and its interplay with the underlying excitons and magnetic order. Finally, I will talk about future opportunities to explore emergent phenomena in vdW heterostructures with the integration of 2D magnets.

Via Zoom: https://princeton.zoom.us/j/92893806374