Antiferromagnetic textures in BiFeO3 controlled by strain and electric field

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15501-8
• Publication Date: 2020-04-06T10:02:55Z
• Authors: A. Haykal; J. Fischer; W. Akhtar; J.-Y. Chauleau; D. Sando; A. Finco; F. Godel; Y. A. Birkhölzer; C. Carrétéro; N. Jaouen; M. Bibes; M. Viret; S. Fusil; V. Jacques; V. Garcia
• Keywords: Piezoresponse force microscopy; Magnonics

Abstract Antiferromagnetic thin films are currently generating considerable excitement for low dissipation magnonics and spintronics. However, while tuneable antiferromagnetic textures form the backbone of functional devices, they virtually unknown at submicron scale. Here we image a wide variety spin in multiferroic BiFeO 3 that can be tuned by strain manipulated electric fields through room-temperature magnetoelectric coupling. Using piezoresponse force microscopy scanning NV magnetometry self-organized ferroelectric patterns , reveal how stabilizes different types non-collinear states (bulk-like exotic cycloids) as well collinear textures. Beyond these local-scale observations, resonant elastic X-ray scattering confirms existence both cycloids. Finally, show electric-field control landscape induces transitions either between or cycloids, offering perspectives design reconfigurable on demand.