Interfacial magnetoelectric coupling in tricomponent superlattices

Abstract

Using first-principles density-functional theory, we investigate the interfacial magnetoelectric coupling in a tricomponent superlattice composed of a ferromagnetic metal (FM), ferroelectric (FE), and normal metal. Using Fe/FE/Pt as a model system, we show that a net and cumulative interfacial magnetization is induced in the FM metal near the FM/FE interface. A careful analysis of the magnetic moments in Fe reveals that the interfacial magnetization is a consequence of a complex interplay of interfacial charge transfer, chemical bonding, and spin-dependent electrostatic screening. The last effect is linear in the FE polarization, is switchable upon its reversal, and yields a substantial interfacial magnetoelectric coupling.