Improving magnetoelectric coupling in novel single-phase multiferroic thin films of the MTiO3
(M = Fe, Mn, Ni, …) family
EMSL Project ID
48647
Abstract
Multiferroics exhibit simultaneous electric and magnetic order. They are receiving increasing attention due to the fact that they show promise for the design of new multifunctional devices where electric field control of magnetization is utilized. Today’s challenge in multiferroics is to find materials where the coupling between ferroelectricity (FE) and ferromagnetism (FM) is strong. To identify such materials, we need to pin down the physical origin of the coupling of polarization and magnetization, and use that knowledge to design novel materials that perform better. We will address this challenge using an integrated theoretical-experimental approach. This proposal builds on the PIs’ previous success in making multiferroic NiTiO3 in epitaxial thin film form. The driving hypothesis is that alloying/doping MTiO3 (M=Fe,Mn,Ni,…) will affect the FM and FE properties, and in turn the coupling of FE and FM. First principles calculations in density functional theory will help us determine alloying scenarios that will enhance the magnetic moment and/or the ferroelectric polarization, thus their coupling. Using the knowledge gained from the theory, we will be able to design and synthesize novel single-phase multiferroics with MTiO3 (M=Fe, Co, Cr Mn, Ni, V,…) composition, and control the electric and magnetic properties of these phases. Finally, the structure of the films, their ferroic properties, and the degree of coupling between their electric polarization and magnetization will be examined. The proposal addresses specific DOE grand challenges related to understanding and controlling the properties of matter that emerge from complex correlations of atomic and electronic constituents and the design of novel materials with tailored properties. The work outlined here is in alignment with EMSL’s Science of Interfacial Phenomena theme and takes us one step closer to addressing the meso challenge related to complex oxide magnetoelectrics, a goal of the corresponding Early Career Proposal.
Project Details
Start Date
2014-10-07
End Date
2015-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members