Evolution of low-dimensional magnetism and orbital excitations in the van der Waals ferromagnet CrTe2

Understanding the fundamental link between low-dimensional magnetism and spin, charge, and orbital correlations is key for the development of novel spintronic and magnetoelectric devices based on van der Waals (vdW) materials. CrTe2 is a unique vdW compound with intrinsic in-plane magnetization and Curie temperature above room temperature of TC = 310 K. Lattice parameter anomalies near TC suggest a complex relationship between low-dimensional magnetism and orbital/lattice degrees of freedom. By applying magnetic circular dichroism resonant inelastic X-ray scattering on bulk CrTe2 samples across TC we will identify spin, orbital, and charge excitations that are sensitive to the magnetic state. Multiplet calculations will help resolve the electronic configuration and spin-state of Cr ions. The dispersion curve of spin excitations will be probed. This work sheds light on the correlation between low-dimensional magnetism and spin-orbital excitations in this compound.