First-principles studies of dilute magnetic ferroelectrics

ORAL

Abstract

Using first-principles density functional calculations, we have investigated the magnetic properties of dilute magnetic ferroelectrics (DMF), where a nominally non-magnetic ferroelectric host is doped with a small concentration of magnetic impurities. We find that DMFs may exhibit simultaneous electrical and magnetic polarization, consistent with recent experimental observations. A possible mechanism for magnetoelectric coupling was explored, and it was found that through a strong spin-lattice coupling, electric field induced switching of magnetization may be possible. Thus, DMFs may provide a route to achieving a single phase, room temperature multiferroic with strong magnetoelectric coupling.

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Authors

  • Leigh Weston

    School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia, Univ of Sydney

  • Xiangyuan Cui

    Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia

  • Simon P. Ringer

    Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia

  • Catherine Stampfl

    School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia