Diffuse Scattering in Hybrid Ferroelectric Magnetic Superlattices for Next Generation Electronics

Artificial superlattices constructed from distinct perovskites are well known for demonstrating various unique properties. The effect of interspacing 2D magnetic layers within ferroelectric perovskites, such as BaTiO₃ is of high interest for potential unique switching behavior. In order to investigate such behavior, high quality SrXO₃/nBaTiO₃ thin film superlattices with 1 unit-cell of SrXO₃ (X=Ir, Ru) layered with n BaTiO₃ (n=1 to 5) were grown using pulsed laser deposition under suitable growth conditions. Utilizing non-resonant x-ray scattering at synchrotron facilities, it was found that for particular layerings, some heterostructures exhibit distinct diffuse scattering patterns suggesting the presence of tunable domains depending on the interlayer and BaTiO₃ thickness. Such tunable electronic behaviors have great potential for novel and improved electronic operation and storage such as transducers, memory cells, actuators, sensors etc.