Direct visualization of local magnetic domain dynamics in a 2D Van der Walls material/ferromagnet interface

Abstract

Exploring new strategies for controlling the magnetic domain propagation is the key to realize ultrafast, high-density domain wall-based memory and logic devices for next generation computing. These strategies include strain modulation in multiferroic devices, geometric confinement and area-selective pinning of domain wall. 2D Van der Waals materials introduce localized modifications to the interfacial magnetic order, enabling control over the propagation of magnetic domains. Here, using Lorentz-Transmission Electron Microscopy (L-TEM) along with the Modified Transport of Intensity equations (MTIE), we demonstrate controlled domain expansion with in-situ magnetic field in a ferromagnet (Permalloy, NiFe) interfacing with a 2D Van der Waals material Graphene (Gr). The Gr/NiFe interface exhibits distinctive domain expansion rate with magnetic field selectively near the interface which is further analyzed using micromagnetic simulations. Our findings are crucial for comprehending direct visualization of interface controlled magnetic domain expansion, offering insights for developing future domain wall-based technology.