Emergent Spintronic Devices Integrating 2D Semiconductors with Functional Magnetic Materials

Integration of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors with suitable magnetic substrates represents a promising path to the realization of new classes of (fast, low-power) non-volatile memory. In this paper, we review our recent work exploring the potential of such devices, by exploiting the magneto-electric chromia $(Cr_{2} O_{3})$ as the magnetic substrate of choice. We demonstrate evidence of robust induced spin-orbit coupling in graphene, when placed in proximity with the magnetic surface of the $Cr_{2} O_{3}$. Our results represent an important step forward for the realization of 2D spintronics.