# Nature Materials

Atomic‑Thin Magnet Shows Two Rare Phase Transitions, Confirming a 1970s Theory

A University of Texas at Austin team has observed two sequential magnetic states in an ultrathin two‑dimensional magnet as temperature falls, providing the first complete experimental verification of the six‑state clock model from the 1970s. The result clarifies how discrete symmetry and topological defects shape 2D magnetic order and points to avenues for engineering nanoscale spintronic devices, though practical applications will require raising operating temperatures and improving robustness.