Magnetic phase diagram of Cr2Te3 revisited by ac magnetostrictive coefficient

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials have attracted considerable interest owing to their potential applications in spintronics and fundamental investigations into low-dimensional magnetism. Cr2Te3, a quasi-2D non-van der Waals magnet, exhibits a complex magnetic phase diagram due to competing magnetic interactions within and between layers. However, the precise nature and evolution of these magnetic phases remain unclear. Here, we utilize an ultrahigh-sensitive composite magnetoelectric technique, which probes the ac magnetostrictive coefficient, to systematically explore the temperature–magnetic field phase diagram of Cr2Te3 single crystals. Our results reveal the coexistence of multiple magnetic phases, including canted ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and paramagnetic states. An additional canted ferromagnetic phase and a possible triple point are also proposed. The updated phase diagram provides deeper insights into the specific spin configurations associated with each phase. These findings further highlight the decoupled magnetic ordering between the Cr1/Cr3 layers and the Cr2 layer near the magnetic ordering temperatures.