José Joaquín Pérez Grau, a PhD student from the Universitat de València specializing in the synthesis and characterization of 2D magnetic heterostructures, participated in the APS March Meeting 2025 held in Anaheim, California—one of the world’s largest gatherings of physicists and material scientists. As part of the scientific program, he delivered a presentation titled “Ferroelectric field effect in 2D multiferroic heterostructures”, which explored the coupling of magnetic and electrical ferroic orders across 2D multiferroic heterostructures, advancing the manipulation of magnetism in 2D systems—a longstanding goal in spintronics.
His research presented groundbreaking work on integrating bilayers of out-of-plane 2D magnet CrI₃ and few-layer out-of-plane 2D ferroelectric CuInP₂S₆ into vertical devices using advanced assembly techniques including cryogenic pick-up and hot dry transfer methods. The experimental approach utilized bottom and top graphite contacts to provide electrical control, generating out-of-plane polarizing voltage along the ferroelectric material’s easy electrical polarization axis via field-effect, while employing magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) signal to monitor the magnetic layer response.
Pérez Grau’s preliminary results demonstrated effective manipulation of magnetic anisotropy, providing crucial insights into the tunable coupling between ferroic orders and opening new pathways for 2D multiferroic devices and spintronic applications. This work, conducted in collaboration with colleagues Fernando Cantos-Prieto, Ivona Kosic, Marta Galbiati, and Efren Navarro-Moratalla from the Universitat de València, represents a significant contribution to the field of 2D materials and spintronics.
Beyond the scientific contributions, Pérez Grau’s participation underscored the importance of international engagement for emerging researchers in condensed matter physics. His presence at the APS Meeting provided a valuable platform to showcase cutting-edge research from the Universitat de València, engage with global experts in 2D materials and spintronics, and establish connections that will be essential for his continued research development and future collaborative opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of quantum materials and device physics.