Abstract

Magnetoelectric coupling at metal surfaces opens up a new possibility for metallic non-volatile magnetic data-storage devices, in which the magnetic bits are controlled by an electric field. We studied the atomic and magnetic order in bilayer Fe nano-islands grown on a Cu(111) substrate with a scanning tunneling microscopy setup in ultra-high vacuum at 4.5 K. Electric field pulses (108-109 V/m) were found to be able to cause a displacement of the Fe atoms, switching simultaneously the crystalline and the magnetic order, which is the prove of magnetoelectric coupling at the metallic Fe surface. We also succeeded in controlling the direction of the switching by the polarity of the electric field.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.