The discovery of strong nonlinear magnetic second harmonic generation (MSHG) induced by ferromagnetic order in monolayer CrPS4 is a groundbreaking development in the field of optics and materials science. This research, led by Professor Sheng Zhigao at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, sheds light on the unique properties of two-dimensional van der Waals materials, specifically their unexplored nonlinear optical properties.
Second harmonic generation (SHG) is a nonlinear optical effect that is sensitive to symmetry breaking in materials. Traditionally, SHG has been observed in crystals with broken symmetry (i type), but its occurrence in magnetic systems (c type) has been limited due to its weaker nature. This limitation has impeded the potential use of magnetic materials in optical devices. However, the research conducted by Professor Sheng’s team uncovers a new realm of possibilities by demonstrating the ferromagnetic order induced c type SHG effects in monolayer CrPS4.
The study reveals that in bulk and even-layered CrPS4, the antiferromagnetic order does not produce any c type SHG effects. However, when examining odd-layered CrPS4, a substantial c type SHG effect induced by monolayer ferromagnetic order was observed. This significant observation marks the first instance of ferromagnetic order induced c type SHG effects in a 2D magnet under the electric-dipole approximation. The dual breaking of spatial and time inversion symmetries plays a critical role in the generation of these effects, highlighting the unique characteristics of monolayer CrPS4.
One of the most remarkable findings of the research is the comparable signal strength of the ferromagnetic order induced c type SHG to that of i type SHG, which arises from the breaking of crystal structural symmetry. This rarity among all known magnetic materials opens up new avenues for the application of monolayer CrPS4 in optoelectronics and other advanced technologies. The ability to harness the nonlinear optical properties of these materials could lead to the development of more efficient and versatile optical devices.
The research led by Professor Sheng Zhigao and his team not only uncovers the ferromagnetic order induced c type SHG effects in monolayer CrPS4 but also paves the way for further exploration of the nonlinear optical properties of two-dimensional van der Waals materials. The implications of this study extend beyond the realm of materials science, offering new insights into the potential applications of magnetic materials in optics and optoelectronics. This groundbreaking research signifies a significant step forward in the understanding and utilization of nonlinear optical effects in emerging materials.
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