Interfacial Magnetoelectric Coupling in Tri-component Superlattices

TL;DR

This study uses first-principles calculations to explore how ferroelectric polarization influences magnetic properties at interfaces in a tri-component superlattice, revealing switchable interfacial magnetoelectric effects.

Contribution

It demonstrates the first-principles evidence of switchable interfacial magnetoelectric coupling in a Fe/FE/Pt superlattice, highlighting the roles of charge transfer and electrostatic screening.

Findings

Interfacial magnetization is induced in the ferromagnetic metal near the interface.

The magnetoelectric coupling is linear and switchable with ferroelectric polarization reversal.

Charge transfer and electrostatic effects are key to the observed phenomena.

Abstract

Using first-principles density functional theory, we investigate the interfacial magnetoelectric coupling in a tri-component superlattice composed of a ferromagnetic metal (FM), ferroelectric (FE), and normal metal (NM). Using Fe/FE/Pt as a model system, we show that a net and cumulative interfacial magnetization is induced in the FM metal near the FM/FE interface. A carefully analysis of the magnetic moments in Fe reveals that the interfacial magnetization is a consequence of a complex interplay of interfacial charge transfer, chemical bonding, and spin dependent electrostatic screening. The last effect is linear in the FE polarization, is switchable upon its reversal, and yields a substantial interfacial magnetoelectric coupling.