2D Materials Go Ferromagnetic, Creating a New Scientific Field – IEEE Spectrum

http://spectrum.ieee.org/nanoclast/semiconductors/materials/twodimensional-materials-go-ferromagnetic-creating-a-new-scientific-field

Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have successfully demonstrated that two-dimensional (2D) layered crystals held together by van der Waal forces—these include graphene and molybdenum disulfide—can exhibit intrinsic ferromagnetism. 
The discovery could have a profound impact for applications including magnetic sensors and the developing use of spintronics for encoding information.

In general, electronics and optics are turning to 2D materials because they are more suitable for tiny devices.

“potential applications such as nanoscale memories, magnetic sensors, transparent magnets, magneto-optic modulators,”