Direct visualization of magnetic domains and moire magnetism in twisted 2D magnets

Moire superlattices of twisted nonmagnetic two-dimensional (2D) materials are highly controllable platforms for the engineering of exotic correlated and topological states. Here, we report emerging magnetic textures in small-angle twisted 2D magnet chromium triiodide (CrI3). Using single-spin quantum magnetometry, we directly visualized nanoscale magnetic domains and periodic patterns, a signature of moire magnetism, and measured domain size and magnetization. In twisted bilayer CrI3, we observed the coexistence of antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) domains with disorder-like spatial patterns. In twisted double-trilayer CrI3, AFM and FM domains with periodic patterns appear, which is in good agreement with the calculated spatial magnetic structures that arise from the local stacking-dependent interlayer exchange interactions in CrI3 moire superlattices. Our results highlight magnetic moire superlattices as a platform for exploring nanomagnetism.

Automated summary

By studying the magnetic properties of twisted CrI3 materials, emerging magnetic textures and periodic patterns were discovered, confirming the existence of moire superlattices and exploring the coexistence of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic domains at different layer thicknesses. This highlights magnetic moire superlattices as a potential platform for exploring nanomagnetism.