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Interface strain-induced multiferroicity in a SmFeO3 film
Zhenxiang Cheng1, Fang Hong, Yuanxu Wang
1Institute for Superconducting and Electronics Materials, University of Wollongong, Innovation Campus , North Wollongong, New South Wales 2519, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 10, 2014
Summary
Epitaxial pseudocubic SmFeO3 thin films exhibit enhanced ferroelectric polarization and a reduced magnetic ordering temperature. These properties stem from structural distortions, differing from bulk SmFeO3 mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Thin Film Technology
Background:
- Epitaxial growth of thin films is crucial for advanced electronic devices.
- Understanding structure-property relationships in perovskite oxides is key for novel functionalities.
- Samarium orthoferrite (SmFeO3) exhibits interesting magnetic and ferroelectric properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ferroelectric and magnetic properties of epitaxial pseudocubic SmFeO3 thin films.
- To elucidate the role of epitaxial strain and structural distortions on these properties.
- To compare the thin film behavior with bulk SmFeO3.
Main Methods:
- Epitaxial growth of SmFeO3 on Nb-SrTiO3 substrates.
- Ferroelectric characterization and magnetic measurements.
- High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Piezoelectric Force Microscopy (PFM).
- First-principles theoretical calculations.
Main Results:
- Observation of clear epitaxial growth with stress-induced structural distortions and grain boundaries.
- Rectangular ferroelectric loops at room temperature, confirming switchable polarization.
- A ferromagnetic-like transition at 185 K, significantly lower than in bulk SmFeO3.
- Theoretical calculations support the observed property enhancements and mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The pseudocubic structure in SmFeO3 thin films enhances ferroelectric polarization.
- Epitaxial strain and structural modifications are responsible for the observed ferroelectricity, distinct from bulk mechanisms.
- The reduced magnetic ordering temperature is attributed to the pseudocubic structure.
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