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A9: Elastic control of magnetic order at oxide interfaces

In this project, we experimentally investigate the magnetic ordering and coupling at coherent interfaces between two magnetic oxides, mostly of perovskite type. Of particular interest is the impact of elastic strain and atomic structure at the interfaces. Magnetic order at oxide interfaces is of vital importance for the performance of electronic devices utilizing the electron´s spin. It governs spin polarization of transported electrons as well as the magnetoelectric coupling mediated by magnetic exchange bias, e. g., between BiFeO₃ and another magnetic oxide. Major systems studied in the project are the strongly antiferromagnetically coupled La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃/SrRuO₃ interface, exchange-bias-coupling of oxides to BiFeO₃ and a potential interlayer coupling through polar insulators.

Experiments are based on pulsed laser deposition of thin films, x-ray diffraction and force microscopy approaches. Interface atomic structure and magnetic order are addressed by methods of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy within the SFB and x-ray absorption / x-ray circular magnetic dichroism. Direct responses of magnetic properties to biaxial reversible in-plane strain are investigated using thin film systems on piezoelectric substrates.

Principal Investigator

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