Magneto-optical Kerr effect in surface engineered 2D hexagonal boron nitride

Magnetism in atomically thin functional materials can be an important phenomenon for exploring two-dimensional magneto-optics. Magneto-optical experimental data have revealed significant Kerr signals in insulator thin films. Here, the magneto-optical Kerr effect of oxygen functionalized and doped hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has been investigated by performing first-principles calculations. We calculated Kerr angle and Kerr ellipticity for functionalized hBN as an attention-drawn material. Moreover, increasing of oxygen doping percentage leads to the introduction of surface plasmon to hBN. Our findings show that the functionalized hBN can tolerate high-temperature conditions, keeping oxygen atoms bridge-bonded. These giant opto/magnetic responses of insulating 2D materials provide a platform for the potential designing of magneto-optical devices.

Automated summary

In this study, the magneto-optical Kerr effect of oxygen functionalized and doped hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) was investigated using first-principles calculations. The results showed that the functionalized hBN material can withstand high-temperature conditions while maintaining stable oxygen bridge-bonding, and it exhibits giant opto/magnetic responses. These findings provide a foundation for the potential design of magneto-optical devices.