Stability of spin-driven ferroelectricity in the thin-film limit: Coupling of magnetic and electric order in multiferroic TbMnO3 films

Journal Article · Mon Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 2012 · Physical Review B

OSTI ID:1111449

Becher, Carsten ^[1]; Voigt, Jörg ^[2]; Schierle, Enrico ^[3]; Weschke, Eugen ^[3]; Fiebig, Manfred ^[1]; Brückel, Thomas ^[2]

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1. ETH Zurich, Switzerland
2. JCNS and JARA-FIT
3. Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin

We demonstrate spin-spiral-induced ferroelectricity in epitaxial TbMnO3 films grown on YAlO3 substrates down to a film thickness of 6nm. The ferroelectric polarization is identified by optical second-harmonic generation. Using x-ray resonant magnetic scattering we directly prove the existence of a noncollinear magnetic structure in the ferroelectric phase and thus bulk-like multiferroicity. The electric-field-induced reversal of the magnetic domains along with the reversal of the ferroelectric polarization evidences the rigid coupling of magnetic and ferroelectric order and hence a giant magnetoelectric effect in the films.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1111449
• Journal Information: Physical Review B, Journal Name: Physical Review B Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 88
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English