Induced magnetization in La${}_{0.7}$Sr${}_{0.3}$MnO${}_3$/BiFeO${}_3$ superlattices

Abstract

Using polarized neutron reflectometry (PNR), we observe an induced magnetization of 75$\pm$ 25 kA/m at 10 K in a La${}_{0.7}$Sr${}_{0.3}$MnO${}_3$ (LSMO)/BiFeO${}_3$ superlattice extending from the interface through several atomic layers of the BiFeO${}_3$ (BFO). The induced magnetization in BFO is explained by density functional theory, where the size of bandgap of BFO plays an important role. Considering a classical exchange field between the LSMO and BFO layers, we further show that magnetization is expected to extend throughout the BFO, which provides a theoretical explanation for the results of the neutron scattering experiment.

5 pages, 4 figures, with Supplemental Materials. To appear in Physical Review Letters