SMRTR Science & EngineeringAug 2, 2026Interesting Engineering

A two-nanometer crystal stretch uncovers magnetism long hidden in ruthenium dioxide

SMRTR summary

Ruthenium dioxide (RuO₂) has confused scientists for years, with experiments producing conflicting results about whether it is magnetic. Researchers solved part of the mystery by growing an ultrathin two-nanometer film kept under crystal strain, which revealed clear magnetic signals invisible in thicker samples. The findings suggest strain can switch magnetism on in materials, potentially enabling low-power electronic devices based on electron spin.

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