Scattered Edges, Magnetic Layers

Iron Phosphorus Trisulfide (FePS₃) is a layered magnetic material with a honeycomb lattice. In its ultrathin 2D form, it offers a unique platform for exploring magnetic phenomena at the atomic scale. Darkfield microscopy highlights the material's edges, revealing beautiful patterns in its structure.

This image was captured using darkfield microscopy to observe a collection of 2D FePS₃ flakes. To prepare the sample, bulk 3D FePS₃ crystals are exfoliated down (by peeling them apart with Scotch tape) until they're only a few atoms thick. These ultrathin flakes are then transferred onto silicon dioxide substrates for imaging. Darkfield microscopy collects only the light that scatters off the sample, revealing the edges of the flakes. This technique highlights the geometry and symmetries of the material, which showcase the patterns created by its honeycomb lattice structure.