Electric-field-induced strain effects on the magnetization of a Pr 0.67 Sr 0.33 MnO 3 film
The electric-field control of magnetic properties of Pr 0.67 Sr 0.33 MnO 3 (PSMO) film on piezoelectric Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -PbTiO 3 (PMNT) substrate was investigated. The piezoelectric response of the PMNT substrate to the electric field produced strain that was coupled to the PSMO film. The in-plane compressive (tensile) strain increased (decreased) the magnetization. The change of magnetic moment was associated with the Mn ions. First principle simulations showed that the strain-induced electronic redistribution of the two e g orbitals (3d z 2 and 3d x 2 -y 2 ) of Mn ions was responsible for the change of magnetic moment. This work demonstrates that the magnetoelectric effect in manganite/piezoelectric hetero-structures originates from the change in eg orbital occupancy of Mn ions induced by strain rather than the interfacial effect.