Scientists demonstrate the ability to control the direction of magnetization by applying deformation to a multiferroic material at the interface. Directing the magnetization with a low electric field is critical for the development of efficient spintronic devices. In spintronics, the spin or magnetic moment properties of an electron are used to store information. By changing the orbital magnetic moments through deformation, the spin of the electrons can be manipulated, resulting in an enhanced magnetoelectric effect for superior performance.

Japanese researchers, including Jun Okabayashi of the University of Tokyo, have discovered a deformation-dependent orbital control mechanism in interfacial multiferroics. In a multiferroic material, magnetic properties can be controlled by an electric field, potentially leading to efficient spintronic devices. The interphase multiferroics studied by Okabayashi and colleagues consist of a transition between a ferromagnetic material and a piezoelectric material. The direction of magnetization in the material can be controlled by applying a voltage.

Mechanism and implications for spintronic devices

The team demonstrated the microscopic origin of the large magnetoelectric effect in the material. The deformation created by the piezoelectric material can change the orbital magnetic moment of the ferromagnetic material. They discovered element-specific orbital control in an interfacial multiferroic material via reversible deformation and provide guidance for the design of materials with large magnetoelectric effects. The data obtained will be useful in the development of a new information recording technology that consumes less energy.