Interface-induced multiferroism by design in complex oxide superlattices

Interfaces between materials present unique opportunities for the discovery of intriguing quantum phenomena. Here, we explore the possibility that, in the case of superlattices, if one of the layers is made ultrathin, unexpected properties can be induced between the two bracketing interfaces. We pur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS 2017-06, Vol.114 (26), p.E5062-E5069
Main Authors: Guo, Hangwen, Wang, Zhen, Dong, Shuai, Ghosh, Saurabh, Saghayezhian, Mohammad, Chen, Lina, Weng, Yakui, Herklotz, Andreas, Ward, Thomas Z., Jin, Rongying, Pantelides, Sokrates T., Zhu, Yimei, Zhang, Jiandi, Plummer, E. W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atomic structure
Barium titanates
Chemical compounds
Computer simulation
CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
Coupling
Ferroelectric materials
Ferroelectrics
Ferromagnetism
Interfaces
Lattice theory
Magnetism
MATERIALS SCIENCE
Mathematical analysis
Physical Sciences
PNAS Plus
Quantum phenomena
Spectroscopy
Spectrum analysis
Spin-lattice coupling
structural transition
Superlattices
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Summary:Interfaces between materials present unique opportunities for the discovery of intriguing quantum phenomena. Here, we explore the possibility that, in the case of superlattices, if one of the layers is made ultrathin, unexpected properties can be induced between the two bracketing interfaces. We pursue this objective by combining advanced growth and characterization techniques with theoretical calculations. Using prototype La2/3Sr1/3MnO₃ (LSMO)/BaTiO₃ (BTO) superlattices, we observe a structural evolution in the LSMO layers as a function of thickness. Atomic-resolution EM and spectroscopy reveal an unusual polar structure phase in ultrathin LSMO at a critical thickness caused by interfacing with the adjacent BTO layers, which is confirmed by first principles calculations. Most important is the fact that this polar phase is accompanied by reemergent ferromagnetism, making this system a potential candidate for ultrathin ferroelectrics with ferromagnetic ordering. Monte Carlo simulations illustrate the important role of spin–lattice coupling in LSMO. These results open up a conceptually intriguing recipe for developing functional ultrathin materials via interface-induced spin–lattice coupling.
ISSN:0027-8424
1091-6490
DOI:10.1073/pnas.1706814114