Realizing Intralayer Magnetoelectric Coupling in Two-Dimensional Frustrated Multiferroic Heterostructures

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Switching interlayer magnetic orders via electric polarization in van der Waals heterostructures is established.
• Controlling strongly coupled intralayer magnetic orders remains a significant challenge in materials science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and investigate frustrated multiferroic heterostructures for enhanced intralayer magnetoelectric coupling.
• To demonstrate electric control over intralayer magnetic orders in a single atomic layer.

Main Methods:

• First-principles calculations were employed to study a MnBr₂/Nb₃I₈ heterostructure.
• Investigated the competition between frustrated intralayer magnetic orders and interlayer magnetic coupling via a spin-local field effect.

Main Results:

• Electric polarization of the Nb₃I₈ layer successfully controlled the intralayer magnetic order in the MnBr₂ layer.
• Induced transitions between zigzag antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic orders by manipulating electric polarization.
• Demonstrated a novel spin-local field effect for magnetic coupling.

Conclusions:

• Frustrated multiferroic heterostructures offer a viable route for enhanced intralayer magnetoelectric coupling.
• Electric control of intralayer spin structures is achievable, enabling advancements in single-layer spintronic applications.
• This approach overcomes limitations of interlayer magnetoelectric coupling for intralayer magnetic order control.