Ferroelectric control of spin-polarized two-dimensional electron gas

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how ferroelectric polarization switching in a YTiO3/PbTiO3 superlattice can effectively control the spin-polarized two-dimensional electron gas, advancing potential device applications.

Contribution

It introduces a model system that enables electric field control of spin-polarized 2DEG in oxide interfaces, a step beyond previous studies focused only on creation and characterization.

Findings

Polarization switching tunes the spin-polarized 2DEG.

Control is effective at both symmetric and asymmetric interfaces.

The system offers a pathway for device applications.

Abstract

Spin-polarized two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at oxide interfaces is an emerging physical phenomenon, which is technologically important for potential device applications. However, most previous relevant studies only focused on the creation and characterization of the spin-polarized 2DEG. To push forward the device applications, the control of spin-polarized 2DEG by electric field is an important step. Here, a model system based on antiferromagnetic and ferroelectric perovskites, i.e., YTiO3/PbTiO3 superlattice, is designed to manipulate the spin-polarized 2DEG. By switching the direction of polarization, the spin-polarized 2DEG can be effectively tuned for both symmetric interfaces and asymmetric polar interfaces.