Journal Article

FZJ-2026-01826

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Orbital torques and orbital pumping in two-dimensional rare-earth dichalcogenides

Zeer, M. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Go, D.FZJ* ; Kläui, M. ; Wulfhekel, W. ; Blügel, S.FZJ* ; Mokrousov, Y.FZJ*

2025
Nature Publ. Group London

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s41524-025-01812-1  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2026-01826

Abstract: The design of spin-orbit torque properties in two-dimensional (2D) materials presents one of the challenges of modern spintronics. In this context, 2D layers involving rare-earth ions − which give rise to robust magnetism, exhibit pronounced orbital polarization of the states, and carry strong spin-orbit interaction—hold particular promise. Here, we investigate ferromagnetic Janus H-phase monolayers of 4f-Eu rare-earth dichalcogenides EuSP, EuSSe, and EuSCl using first-principles calculations. We demonstrate that all compounds exhibit significant spin-orbit torques which originate predominantly in the colossal current-induced orbital response on the Eu f-electrons. Moreover, we demonstrate that the corresponding orbital torques can be used to drive strong in-plane currents of orbital angular momentum with non-trivial direction of orbital polarization, constituting the effect of in-plane orbital pumping. We provide an interpretation of this effect in terms of orbital-to-orbital-curent conversion, and draw a simple qualitative picture of orbital pumping by magnetization dynamics in two dimensional systems. Our findings promote f-orbital-based 2D materials as a promising platform for in-plane orbital pumping and spin-orbit torque applications, and motivate further research on educated design of orbital properties for orbitronics with 2D materials

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Quanten-Theorie der Materialien (PGI-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 5211 - Topological Matter (POF4-521) (POF4-521)
2. Pilotprojekt zur Entwicklung eines palästinensisch-deutschen Forschungs- und Promotionsprogramms 'Palestinian-German Science Bridge' (01DH16027) (01DH16027)
3. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)543908863 - Tuning von altermagnetischen Geräten durch mechanische Dehnung (A12*) (543908863) (543908863)
4. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)444844585 - Statische und dynamische Kopplung von Gitter- und magnetischen Eigenschaften in zweidimensionalen Materialien mit niedriger Symmetrie (B06) (444844585) (444844585)
5. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)437337265 - Spin+AFM-Dynamik: Antiferromagnetismus durch Drehimpulsströme und Gitterdynamik (A11) (437337265) (437337265)
6. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)290319996 - Spin+Bahn-Wechselwirkung: Orbitronik und Spin-Bahn Effekte (A01) (290319996) (290319996)
7. SFB 1238 C01 - Strukturinversionsasymmetrische Materie und Spin-Orbit-Phänomene mittels ab initio (C01) (319898210) (319898210)

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