Abstract
The search for magnetoelectric materials typically revolves around the struggle to make magnetic and ferroelectric orders simultaneously coexist in the same material, using either an intrinsic or an extrinsic/composite approach. Via ab initio calculations of a prototypical Fe/BaTiO3 interface, we predict that it is possible to tune the magnitude of the individual magnetic moments even for non-polar BaTiO3. By comparing polar and non-polar Fe/BaTiO3 heterostructures, we show that the Fe, Ti and equatorial O atomic magnetic moments are induced and enhanced as a result of their local crystal field. The crystal field may be controlled solely by manipulation of the inter-atomic distances of their neighbouring atoms (which will affect their electrostatic fields and orbital hybridizations), or by the BaTiO3 electric dipole moments, working as a local polarization. When this polarization is present, it dominates the crystal field contributions, thus constraining the effects of other perturbations such as strain. We also find that, contrary to conventional expectations, the non-polar heterostructure shows higher strain induced magnetization sensitivity than its polar counterpart.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
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.