Detection of magnetic ordering evolution via spin Hall magnetoresistance in antiferromagnetic Cr2O3 thin films

Z Ziyang Zhang S Sifan Gao (Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion, and Electron Beams (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dalian University of Technology , Dalian, 116024 Liaoning,) Y Yanrun Liu (Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion, and Electron Beams (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dalian University of Technology , Dalian, 116024 Liaoning,) J Jingyuan Cui (Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto) Z Zhiyong Qiu

Abstract

The magnetic ordering evolution was investigated via spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) in antiferromagnetic Cr2O3 thin films. The SMR ratio of the Cr2O3/Pt bilayer devices exhibits a nonmonotonic temperature dependence, which peaks at a specific temperature. The peak temperature is considered to be the Néel temperature of the Cr2O3 layer, which decreases with reducing Cr2O3 thickness, as expected from finite-size effect. The nonmonotonic temperature dependence of SMR ratio is attributed to the variations in the spin current transparency at the Cr2O3/Pt interface, which reflects the magnetic ordering evolution in the Cr2O3 layer. This study highlights the promise of SMR as an electrical technique for detecting and elucidating the magnetic ordering evolution in antiferromagnetic materials.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 139, Issue 16
Published April 28, 2026
ISSN 0021-8979
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

Journal of Applied Physics

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0021-8979 Physical Sciences

Authors (5)

Z

Ziyang Zhang

S

Sifan Gao

Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion, and Electron Beams (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dalian University of Technology , Dalian, 116024 Liaoning,

Y

Yanrun Liu

Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion, and Electron Beams (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dalian University of Technology , Dalian, 116024 Liaoning,

J

Jingyuan Cui

Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto

Z

Zhiyong Qiu