Unusual metal oxide shows signs of magnetism under lattice strain in ultrathin layers
Researchers have discovered that ultrathin layers of ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) exhibit magnetic properties when subjected to epitaxial strain. This finding challenges previous assumptions that the material is nonmagnetic in its bulk form and provides new insights into altermagnetism.
Why it matters
Understanding the magnetic behavior of metal oxides at the nanoscale is critical for developing next-generation quantum materials and efficient spin-charge conversion technologies.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Proposed spin texture relevant in epitaxially strained RuO 2 and a spin-resolved photoemission measurement geometry. Credit: Science Advances (2026). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aec2917 Ruthenium dioxide (RuO 2 ) is a metal oxide that commonly serves as an important metallic conductor, quantum material and industrial electrocatalyst. While there have been debates surrounding the magnetic properties of RuO 2 , it is generally thought to be nonmagnetic in its bulk form. But now, a new study, published in Science Advances , has found that very thin layers of RuO 2 can become magnetic when its lattice is placed under strain.
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