We explore computationally the formation of tri-layer superlattices as an alternative approach for combining ferroelectricity with magnetism to form magnetoelectric multiferroics. We find that the contribution to the superlattice polarization from tri-layering is small compared to typical polarizations in conventionalferroelectrics, and the switchable ferroelectric component is negligible. In contrast, we show that epitaxial strain and ``negative pressure'' can yield large, switchable polarizations that are compatible with the coexistence of magnetism, even in materials with no active ferroelectric ions.
@article{arxiv.0704.0781,
title = {Tri-layer superlattices: A route to magnetoelectric multiferroics?},
author = {Alison J. Hatt and Nicola A. Spaldin},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0704.0781},
year = {2011}
}
Comments
10 pages, 3 figures; references added, and minor editorial changes made