Work

Viewpoint: on the emergence of van der Waals magnets: a personal reflection

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The observation of magnetism in atomically thin van der Waals (vdW) antiferromagnets (FePS 3 , NiPS 3 , and MnPS 3 ) in 2016 marked an important moment in the development of two-dimensional physics. In this personal reflection, I describe how a simple question, posed in the early 2010s, motivated experimental efforts that culminated in the demonstration of antiferromagnetic order in monolayer FePS 3 . Alongside subsequent reports of vdW ferromagnets in 2017, these developments helped establish intrinsic magnetism as a viable degree of freedom in atomically thin materials. I close with personal lessons drawn from this period and a perspective on the opportunities that now shape the field’s second decade and beyond.

Source: Journal of Physics Condensed Matter

DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ae35b8

Author: Je-Geun Park

Institution: Seoul National University

Language: English

Topic: 2D Materials and Applications

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,325

Funder: National Research Foundation of Korea