Tri-layer superlattices: A route to magnetoelectric multiferroics?

Abstract

We explore computationally the formation of tri-layer superlattices as an alternative approach for combining ferroelectricity with magnetism to form magnetoelectric multiferroics. We find that the contribution to the superlattice polarization from tri-layering is small compared to typical polarizations in conventionalferroelectrics, and the switchable ferroelectric component is negligible. In contrast, we show that epitaxial strain and ``negative pressure'' can yield large, switchable polarizations that are compatible with the coexistence of magnetism, even in materials with no active ferroelectric ions.

10 pages, 3 figures; references added, and minor editorial changes made

References in corpus (5)

• First-principles study of spontaneous polarization in multiferroic BiFeO${}_3$
• Theory of polarization enhancement in epitaxial BaTiO${}_3$/SrTiO${}_3$ superlattices
• Compositional Inversion Symmetry Breaking in Ferroelectric Perovskites
• Origin of ferroelectricity in the multiferroic barium fluorides BaMF4
• Frustration of tilts and A-site driven ferroelectricity in KNbO_3-LiNbO_3 alloys

Cited by in corpus (5)

• Emergent properties hidden in plane view: Strong electronic correlations at oxide interfaces
• First Principles Studies of Multiferroic Materials
• Structural effects on the spin-state transition in epitaxially strained LaCoO${}_3$ films
• Tunable ferroelectricity in artificial tri-layer superlattices comprised of non-ferroic components
• Ferroelectric PbTiO${}_3$/SrRuO${}_3$ superlattices with broken inversion symmetry