Multiferroic double perovskites: Opportunities, Issues and Challenges

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of self-ordered double perovskites, specifically La2NiMnO6, for achieving controlled multiferroic behavior at room temperature, highlighting synthesis methods, challenges, and their effects on magnetic and phononic properties.

Contribution

It demonstrates the use of pulsed laser deposition to control cation ordering in La2NiMnO6 and discusses its impact on multiferroic properties, addressing key challenges in the field.

Findings

Cation ordering influences magnetic ground states

Ni/Mn ordering affects ferromagnetic transition temperature

Insights into spin-phonon coupling mechanisms

Abstract

Despite the great technological and scientific importance, a well-controlled coupled behavior in magnetoelectric multiferroic materials at room temperature remains challenging. We demonstrate that the self-ordered A2BBO6 (e.g., A = La, B = Mn, and B = Ni) double perovskites provide a unique alternative opportunity to control and/or to induce such behavior in oxides. In this paper, we outline and discuss the various challenges and bottleneck issues related to this class of materials using La2NiMnO6 as a prototype. Details of the synthesis strategies, using pulsed laser deposition as a central tool, to obtain a meticulous control over cation ordering is illustrated. The possible impact of Ni/Mn cation ordering on the magnetic ground states, ferromagnetic transition temperature, phonon behavior, and spin-phonon coupling are presented. Our results are also compared with the current literature on related compounds.