Researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo have discovered that in-plane magnetic fields induce a significant anomalous Hall effect in EuCd₂Sb₂ films, presenting new opportunities to control electronic transport and enhancing magnetic sensing technologies. Traditionally, the Hall effect—which occurs when an electric current in a material is subjected to a magnetic field—has been studied primarily under out-of-plane magnetic fields. However, the effects of in-plane fields on materials like EuCd₂Sb₂ were largely overlooked.
In their study, published in Physical Review Letters, the team led by Associate Professor Masaki Uchida observed that the in-plane anomalous Hall effect exhibits a three-fold symmetry and that its sign changes with magnetic field rotation. Additionally, they linked these effects to a notable shift in electronic band structures and orbital magnetization. This work reveals that even small changes in the angle of the magnetic field can lead to significant variations in the Hall effect, indicating the material’s versatility. Uchida emphasized the implications for future technologies that require precise magnetic field measurements, marking a breakthrough in our understanding of the Hall effect and inviting further investigations into materials development for next-generation applications.
