Researchers observe novel magnetism in ultrathin ruthenium dioxide.

Physicists from Rice University have reported evidence of altermagnetism, a newly proposed magnetic form, in ultrathin films of ruthenium dioxide, a material previously considered nonmagnetic in bulk. Published in Science Advances, this discovery suggests potential for developing smaller, faster, and more efficient computer memory. The findings could open new avenues for spintronic applications by leveraging this unique magnetic behavior.