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At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Unconventional magnon-mediated spin torque enabled by ferroelectric domain engineering in multiferroic BiFeO 3

Spin current provides an energy-efficient approach for manipulating magnetization, when its spin polarization aligns with the magnetization direction. However, conventional spin-source materials possess high crystalline symmetry, restricting spin polarization to be orthogonal to both spin and charge current directions. Here, we overcome this limitation by utilizing the concept of magnon-mediated spin-orbit torque through integration of the insulating multiferroic BiFeO 3 with a conventional spin-source material. We observe that spin polarization generated by conventional spin-source material can excite unconventional magnon polarization due to the interplay between cycloidal antiferromagnetic order and the ferroelectric domain structure in BiFeO 3 . This produces an unconventional magnon torque that allows deterministic, field‑free switching of in‑plane magnetization collinear with the current direction, unattainable with conventional spin-source materials. Our results establish multiferroic-based heterostructure as a symmetry‑engineered magnon spin source, paving the way for low-power spintronic devices.

Liang, Yuhan [Tsinghua Univ., Beijing (China); Cor↗
DOE OSTI2018

Broken symmetries, non-reciprocity, and multiferroicity

The interplay of space and time symmetries, ferroic properties, chirality and notions of reciprocity determines many of the technologically important properties of materials such as optical diode effect, e.g., in polar ferromagnet FeZnMo 3 O 8 . Here, we illustrate these concepts, including the non-reciprocal directional dichroism, through a number of practical examples. In particular, the conditions for non-reciprocity of ferro-rotational order are discussed and the possible use of linear optical gyration is suggested as a way to detect ferro-rotational domains. In addition, we provide the means to achieve high-temperature optical diode effect and elucidate multiferroic behaviors as a result of helical vs. cycloidal spins. Finally, we identify different entities behaving similarly under all symmetry operations, which are useful to understand non-reciprocity and multiferroicity in various materials intuitively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Domain-wall magnetoelectric coupling in multiferroic hexagonal YbFeO 3 films

Electrical modulation of magnetic states in single-phase multiferroic materials, using domain-wall magnetoelectric (ME) coupling, can be enhanced substantially by controlling the population density of the ferroelectric (FE) domain walls during polarization switching. In this work, we investigate the domain-wall ME coupling in multiferroic h-YbFeO 3 thin films, in which the FE domain walls induce clamped antiferromagnetic (AFM) domain walls with reduced magnetization magnitude. Simulation according to the phenomenological theory indicates that the domain-wall ME effect is dramatically enhanced when the separation between the FE domain walls shrinks below the characteristic width of the clamped AFM domain walls during the ferroelectric switching. Experimentally, we show that while the magnetization magnitude remains same for both the positive and the negative saturation polarization states, there is evidence of magnetization reduction at the coercive voltages. These results suggest that the domain-wall ME effect is viable for electrical control of magnetization.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

Interfacial charge-mediated non-volatile magnetoelectric coupling in Co 0.3 Fe 0.7 /Ba 0.6 Sr 0.4 TiO 3 /Nb:SrTiO 3 multiferroic heterostructures

The central challenge in realizing non-volatile, E-field manipulation of magnetism lies in finding an energy efficient means to switch between the distinct magnetic states in a stable and reversible manner. In this work, we demonstrate using electrical polarization-induced charge screening to change the ground state of magnetic ordering in order to non-volatilely tune magnetic properties in ultra-thin Co 0.3 Fe 0.7 /Ba 0.6 Sr 0.4 TiO 3 /Nb:SrTiO 3 (001) multiferroic heterostructures. A robust, voltage-induced, non-volatile manipulation of out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy up to 40 Oe is demonstrated and confirmed by ferromagnetic resonance measurements. This discovery provides a framework for realizing charge-sensitive order parameter tuning in ultra-thin multiferroic heterostructures, demonstrating great potential for delivering compact, lightweight, reconfigurable, and energy-efficient electronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Stabilization of weak ferromagnetism by strong magnetic response to epitaxial strain in multiferroic BiFeO 3

Multiferroic BiFeO 3 exhibits excellent magnetoelectric coupling critical for magnetic information processing with minimal power consumption. Thus, the degenerate nature of the easy spin axis in the (111) plane presents roadblocks for real world applications. Here, we explore the stabilization and switchability of the weak ferromagnetic moments under applied epitaxial strain using a combination of first-principles calculations and group-theoretic analyses. We demonstrate that the antiferromagnetic moment vector can be stabilized along unique crystallographic directions ([110] and [-110]) under compressive and tensile strains. A direct coupling between the anisotropic antiferrodistortive rotations and Dzyaloshinskii-Moria interactions drives the stabilization of weak ferromagnetism. Furthermore, energetically competing C- and G-type magnetic orderings are observed at high compressive strains, suggesting that it may be possible to switch the weak ferromagnetism on and off under application of strain. These findings emphasize the importance of strain and antiferrodistortive rotations as routes to enhancing induced weak ferromagnetism in multiferroic oxides.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Spin correlated dielectric memory and rejuvenation in multiferroic CuCrS{sub 2}

We report a rare consequence of memory effect in dielectric response (ϵ) and magnetic field induced rejuvenation in a relaxor-type multiferroic chalcogenide, CuCrS{sub 2}. Despite reasonably high conductivity, we are able to detect significant spontaneous polarization using an improvised technique verifying ferroelectric (FE) order. Concomitant appearance of both FE and antiferromagnetic orders authenticates multiferroicity. A smeared out FE transition and strong frequency dependence of the broadened peak in ϵ obeying Dynamical scaling law signify relaxor properties. We discuss the role of geometrical frustration in the antiferromagnetically coupled layered triangular lattice and metal ligand hybridization for these unusual properties.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Nonlinear multiferroic phase shifters for microwave frequencies

A nonlinear microwave phase shifter based on a planar multiferroic composite has been studied. The multiferroic structure is fabricated in the form of a bilayer consisting of yttrium iron garnet and barium strontium titanate. The principle of operation of the device is based on the linear and nonlinear control of the phase shift of the hybrid spin-electromagnetic waves propagating in the bilayer. The linear control is realized with magnetic and electric fields. The nonlinear control is provided by the input power of microwave signal. The device showed a nonlinear phase shift up to 250°, electric field induced phase shift up to 330°, and magnetic field induced phase shift of more than 180°.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Synthesis of multiferroic Er-Fe-O thin films by atomic layer and chemical vapor deposition

R-Fe-O (R = rare earth) compounds have recently attracted high interest as potential new multiferroic materials. Here, we report a method based on the solid-state reaction between Er{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Fe layers, respectively grown by atomic layer deposition and chemical vapor deposition, to synthesize Er-Fe-O thin films. The reaction is induced by thermal annealing and evolution of the formed phases is followed by in situ grazing incidence X-ray diffraction. Dominant ErFeO{sub 3} and ErFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} phases develop following subsequent thermal annealing processes at 850 °C in air and N{sub 2}. Structural, chemical, and morphological characterization of the layers are conducted through X-ray diffraction and reflectivity, time-of-flight secondary ion-mass spectrometry, and atomic force microscopy. Magnetic properties are evaluated by magnetic force microscopy, conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer, being consistent with the presence of the phases identified by X-ray diffraction. Our results constitute a first step toward the use of cost-effective chemical methods for the synthesis of this class of multiferroic thin films.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Electric-field-induced spin wave generation using multiferroic magnetoelectric cells

In this work, we report on the demonstration of voltage-driven spin wave excitation, where spin waves are generated by multiferroic magnetoelectric (ME) cell transducers driven by an alternating voltage, rather than an electric current. A multiferroic element consisting of a magnetostrictive Ni film and a piezoelectric [Pb(Mg{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}]{sub (1−x)}–[PbTiO{sub 3}]{sub x} substrate was used for this purpose. By applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric, an oscillating electric field is created within the piezoelectric material, which results in an alternating strain-induced magnetic anisotropy in the magnetostrictive Ni layer. The resulting anisotropy-driven magnetization oscillations propagate in the form of spin waves along a 5 μm wide Ni/NiFe waveguide. Control experiments confirm the strain-mediated origin of the spin wave excitation. The voltage-driven spin wave excitation, demonstrated in this work, can potentially be used for low-dissipation spin wave-based logic and memory elements.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Spin reorientation transition and near room-temperature multiferroic properties in a W-type hexaferrite SrZn{sub 1.15}Co{sub 0.85}Fe{sub 16}O{sub 27}

In this Letter, we investigate the magnetic and multiferroic properties of a W-type hexaferrite SrZn{sub 1.15}Co{sub 0.85}Fe{sub 16}O{sub 27}. Due to the strong planar contribution to the anisotropy provided by Co{sup 2+} ions, this hexaferrite shows a spin reorientation transition from easy-axis to easy-cone at 302 K, which is different from the onset temperature of ferroelectric polarization, 275 K. By applying magnetic field, a remarkable drop of polarization is observed, suggesting a large magnetoelectric effect in this multiferroics. The difference between spin reorientation and ferroelectric phase transition temperature as well as the origin of magnetoelectric effect are discussed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

All-thin-film multilayered multiferroic structures with a slot-line for spin-electromagnetic wave devices

Spin-electromagnetic waves propagating in thin-film multilayered multiferroic structures containing a slot transmission line have been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The thin-film structure was composed of a ferrite film, a ferroelectric film, and a slot-line. It was shown that the spectrum of the spin-electromagnetic wave was formed as a result of hybridization of the spin wave in the ferrite film with the electromagnetic wave in the slot-line and was electrically and magnetically tunable. For the experimental investigations, a microwave phase shifter based on the multiferroic structure has been fabricated. Performance characteristics are presented.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Adjustable magnetoelectric effect of self-assembled vertical multiferroic nanocomposite films by the in-plane misfit strain and ferromagnetic volume fraction

The strain-mediated magnetoelectric (ME) property of self-assembled vertical multiferroic nanocomposite films epitaxially grown on cubic substrates was calculated by a nonlinear thermodynamic theory combined with the elastic theory. The dependent relations of phase state of ferroelectric films with the in-plane misfit strain, out-of-plane misfit strain, temperature, and volume fraction of ferromagnetic phase were confirmed. The effects of in-plane misfit strain and ferromagnetic volume fraction on the polarization and dielectric constant of ferroelectric films at room temperature were elaborately analyzed for the vertical BaTiO{sub 3}-CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} and PbTiO{sub 3}-CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite films. Our calculated results confirmed the relationship among ME effect and in-plane misfit strain and ferromagnetic volume fraction in the nanocomposite films. The ME voltage coefficients of vertical BaTiO{sub 3}-CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} and PbTiO{sub 3}-CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite films displayed various maximums and abrupt points at special phases and phase transition boundaries. The ME voltage coefficients of lead-free BaTiO{sub 3}-CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite films epitaxially grown on different substrates could reach a comparative value of ∼2 V·cm{sup −1}·Oe{sup −1} under the controllable in-plane misfit strain induced by substrate clamping. Our results provided an available method for the optimal design of vertical multiferroic nanocomposites with adjustable ME effect by optimizing the ferromagnetic volume fraction and substrate type.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Structural phase transitions of robust insulating Bi{sub 1-x}La{sub x}Fe{sub 1-y}Ti{sub y}O{sub 3} multiferroics

In contrast to leaky BiFeO{sub 3}, of which two structural phase transitions of cycloidal modulated antiferromagnetic-paramagnetic and ferroelectric-paraelectric are observed below 850 °C, chemical co-substitution to form Bi{sub 1−x}La{sub x}Fe{sub 1−y}Ti{sub y}O{sub 3} ternary solid solution makes these multiferroic ceramics become robust insulating low dielectric loss and exhibit rich structural phase transitions. Differential thermal analysis and temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction measurements probe four first-order structural phase transitions, e.g., T{sub H} = 305 °C, T{sub N} = 365 °C, T{sub C} = 810 °C, and T{sub S} = 830 °C observed in the Bi{sub 0.98}La{sub 0.02}Fe{sub 0.99}Ti{sub 0.01}O{sub 3} system, which are reasonably attributed to Brazovskii-type cycloidal modulated antiferromagnetic-helimagnetic (at T{sub H}) and helimagnetic-paramagnetic (at T{sub N}) magnetic phase transitions, ferroelectric-paraelectric (at T{sub C}) and rhombohedral-cubic (at T{sub S}) structural phase transitions, respectively. Magnetic phase transition temperatures change a little but ferroelectric and lattice structural phase transition temperatures decrease gradually with increasing co-substitution up to composition-induced rhombohedral-(pseudo-)cubic structural phase boundary. The first-order nature of magnetic phase transition and emergence of helimagnetic phase were attributed to Ti{sup 3+} d{sup 1} magnetic disorder distribution in the Fe{sup 3+} d{sup 5}-O-Fe{sup 3+} d{sup 5} chains, while the first-order nature becomes weak with increasing co-substitution, owing to decreased ferroelectric rhombohedral lattice distortion. An intermediate rhombohedral paraelectric phase is discovered intervening between ferroelectric rhombohedral and paraelectric cubic phase, of which the temperature range defined by difference between T{sub C} and T{sub S} increases with increasing co-substitution. It was found that T{sub C} and T{sub S} are able to be predicted quantitatively by reduced mass of unit cell. These findings enrich our understanding of ferroic phase transitions and advance designing novel high temperature multiferroic compounds.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Neutron diffraction studies on chemical and magnetic structure of multiferroic PbFe{sub 0.67}W{sub 0.33}O{sub 3}

We report on the single phase synthesis and room temperature structural characterization of PbFe{sub 0.67}W{sub 0.33}O{sub 3} (PFW) multiferroic. The PFW was synthesized by low temperature sintering, Columbite method. Analysis of powder XRD pattern exhibits single phase formation of PFW with no traces of pyrochlore phase. Detailed analysis of room temperature neutron diffraction (ND) reveals cubic phase at room temperature, space group Pm-3m. The ND pattern clearly reveals magnetic Bragg peak at 2θ = 18.51° (Q = 1.36Å{sup −1}). The refinement of magnetic structure reveals G-type antiferromagnetic structure in PFW at room temperature. The dielectric constant and loss tangent decreases with increasing frequency. The room temperature P-E measurements shows a non-linear slim hysteresis, typical nature of relaxor multiferroics, with saturation and remnant polarizations of P{sub s} = 1.50 μC/cm{sup 2} and P{sub r} = 0.40 μC/cm{sup 2}, respectively.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Observation of spontaneous ferroelectric polarization reversal in multiferroic Mn{sub 1−x}Ni{sub x}WO{sub 4} (x ≈ 0.16)

In this Letter, we report the effect of replacing Mn{sup 2+} ions with Ni{sup 2+} on the ferroelectricity of multiferroic MnWO{sub 4} single crystals. When the amount of substitution was close to 16%, the sign of ferroelectric polarization spontaneously became negative with respect to initial dc poling field at a few degrees below T{sub C}. Neutron diffraction intensities revealed a sudden change in the underlying spiral spin ordering that occurred coincidentally with the observed sign reversal. This unusual behavior in zero magnetic fields suggests that strong competitions between the two different magnetic ions may provide an efficient route to manipulation of existing multiferroics.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Simultaneous imaging of the ferromagnetic and ferroelectric structure in multiferroic heterostructures

By measuring the spin polarization of secondary electrons and the intensity of backscattered electrons generated in a scanning electron microscope, we are able to simultaneously image the ferromagnetic domain structure of a ferromagnetic thin film and the ferroelectric domain structure of the underlying ferroelectric substrate upon which it is grown. Simultaneous imaging allows straightforward, quantitative measurements of the correlations in these complex multiferroic systems. We have successfully imaged domains in CoFe/BFO and Fe/BTO, two systems with very different ferromagnet/ferroelectric coupling mechanisms, demonstrating how this technique provides a new local probe of magneto electric/strictive effects in multiferroic heterostructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Local polar structure and multiferroic properties of (1−x)Bi{sub 0.9}Dy{sub 0.1}FeO{sub 3}−xPbTiO{sub 3} solid solution

The multiferroic (1–x)[0.9BiFeO{sub 3}–0.1DyFeO{sub 3}]–xPbTiO{sub 3} (BDF–xPT) solid solution with compositions around the morphotropic phase boundary (x = 0.25, 0.28, 0.31, 0.34, and 0.37) has been synthesized in the form of ceramics. The phase symmetry, microstructure, ferroelectricity, piezoresponse, and ferromagnetic properties have been characterized by various techniques. It is found that, with increasing content of lead titanate from x = 0.25 to x = 0.37, the grain size increases and the ferroelectric property is improved. The ferroelectric performance is further enhanced by the introduction of an excess amount (2%) of TiO{sub 2} or by sintering in oxygen atmosphere, which reduces the leakage. The local polar structure is imaged by piezoresponse force microscopy. Both the out-of-plane and in-plane images reveal distinct ferroelectric domain structures, with the amplitude and the average domain size decreasing with the increase of lead titanate amount. Compared with the (1–x)BiFeO{sub 3}–xPbTiO{sub 3} binary solid solution of about the same concentration of PT, the magnetic properties are enhanced in BDF–xPT due to the presence of dysprosium, as demonstrated by the ferromagnetic hysteresis loops displayed at room temperature and at 10 K, but the remnant magnetization decreases with increasing PT content. The simultaneous presence of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism entitles the BDF–xPT solid solution a room-temperature multiferroic material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Reversing ferroelectric polarization in multiferroic DyMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} by nonmagnetic Al substitution of Mn

The multiferroic RMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} family, where R is rare-earth ion or Y, exhibits rich physics of multiferroicity which has not yet well understood. DyMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} is a representative member of this family. The ferroelectric polarization of DyMn{sub 2}O{sub 5} is claimed to be magnetically relevant and have more than one component. Therefore, the polarization reversal upon the sequent magnetic transitions is expected. We investigate the evolution of the ferroelectric polarization upon a partial substitution of Mn{sup 3+} by nonmagnetic Al{sup 3+} in order to tailor the Mn{sup 3+}-Mn{sup 4+} interactions and then to modulate the polarization in DyMn{sub 2−x/2}Al{sub x/2}O{sub 5}. It is revealed that the polarization can be successfully reversed by Al-substitution via substantially suppressing the Mn{sup 3+}-Mn{sup 4+} interactions, while the Dy{sup 3+}-Mn{sup 4+} interactions can sustain against the substitution until a level as high as x = 0.2. In addition, the independent Dy spin ordering is shifted remarkably down to an extremely low temperature due to the Al{sup 3+} substitution. The present work unveils the possibility of tailoring the Mn{sup 3+}-Mn{sup 4+} and Dy{sup 3+}-Mn{sup 4+} interactions independently, and thus reversing the ferroelectric polarization.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗