Electronic Raman scattering in the 2D antiferromagnet NiPS(3)

Correlated-electron systems have long been an important platform for various interesting phenomena and fundamental questions in condensed matter physics. As a pivotal process in these systems, d-d transitions have been suggested as a key factor toward realizing optical spin control in two-dimensional (2D) magnets. However, it remains unclear how d-d excitations behave in quasi-2D systems with strong electronic correlation and spin-charge coupling. Here, we present a systematic electronic Raman spectroscopy investigation on d-d transitions in a 2D antiferromagnet—NiPS(3), from bulk to atomically thin samples. Two electronic Raman modes originating from the scattering of incident photons with d electrons in Ni(2+) ions are observed at ~1.0 eV. This electronic process persists down to trilayer flakes and exhibits insensitivity to the spin ordering of NiPS(3). Our study demonstrates the utility of electronic Raman scattering in investigating the unique electronic structure and its coupling to magnetism in correlated 2D magnets.