Probing and controlling 2D and 3D magnetic hybrid systems via spin-orbit torque

The recently discovered van der Waals (vdW) magnets provide a new library of magnetic material systems which can have either ferromagnetic (FM) or antiferromagnetic (AFM) order, different strengths and directions of magnetocrystalline anisotropy, and insulating, semi-conducting, or metallic electrical properties.The vdW interfaces of 2D magnets allow inter-layer exchange to be much weaker than intra-layer exchange.  This provides opportunities to explore experimental behaviors that are distinct from conventional 3D magnetic materials. In this talk, I will discuss our recent progress in probing and controlling vdW magnetic hybrid systems via spin-orbit torque. I will also illustrate emerging device concepts based on vdW and 3D hybrid systems to read and write magnetic states through both optical and electrical techniques.