Using first-principles density functional theory, we investigate the interfacial magnetoelectric coupling in a tri-component superlattice composed of a ferromagnetic metal (FM), ferroelectric (FE), and normal metal (NM). 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 carefully 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.
@article{arxiv.0912.3492,
title = {Interfacial Magnetoelectric Coupling in Tri-component Superlattices},
author = {Jaekwang Lee and Na Sai and Tianyi Cai and Qian Niu and Alexander A. Demkov},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0912.3492},
year = {2010}
}