Multistep magnetization switching in orthogonally twisted ferromagnetic monolayers

Abstract

The advent of twist-engineering in two-dimensional (2D) crystals enables the design of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures exhibiting emergent properties. In the case of magnets, this approach can afford artificial antiferromagnets with tailored spin arrangements. Here, we fabricate an orthogonally-twisted bilayer by twisting 90 degrees two CrSBr ferromagnetic monolayers with an easy-axis in-plane anisotropy. The magneto-transport properties reveal multistep magnetization switching with a magnetic hysteresis opening, that is absent in the pristine case. By tuning the magnetic field, we modulate the remanent state and coercivity and select between hysteretic and non-hysteretic magneto-resistance scenarios. This complexity pinpoints spin anisotropy as a key aspect in twisted magnetic superlattices. Our results highlight the control over the magnetic properties in vdW heterostructures, leading to a variety of field-induced phenomena and opening a fruitful playground for creating desired magnetic symmetries and manipulating non-collinear magnetic configurations.