Spintronics: Researchers show how to make non-magnetic materials
magnetic

Date:
August 6, 2020
Source:
Martin-Luther-Universita"t Halle-Wittenberg
Summary:
A complex process can modify non-magnetic oxide materials in such
a way to make them magnetic. The basis for this new phenomenon is
controlled layer-by-layer growth of each material.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A complex process can modify non-magnetic oxide materials in such a way
to make them magnetic. The basis for this new phenomenon is controlled layer-by-layer growth of each material. An international research
team with researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
(MLU) reported on their unexpected findings in the journal Nature Communications.


==========================================================================
In solid-state physics, oxide layers only a few nanometres thick are
known to form a so-called two-dimensional electron gas. These thin
layers, separated from one another, are transparent and electrically
insulating materials.

However, when one thin layer grows on top of the other, a conductive
area forms under certain conditions at the interface, which has a
metallic shine.

"Normally this system remains non-magnetic," says Professor Ingrid Mertig
from the Institute of Physics at MLU. The research team has succeeded in controlling conditions during layer growth so that vacancies are created
in the atomic layers near the interface. These are later filled in by
other atoms from adjoining atomic layers.

The theoretical calculations and explanations for this newly discovered phenomenon were made by Ingrid Mertig's team of physicists. The method
was then experimentally tested by several research groups throughout
Europe -- including a group led by Professor Kathrin Do"rr from MLU. They
were able to prove the magnetism in the materials. "This combination of computer simulations and experiments enabled us to decipher the complex mechanism responsible for the development of magnetism," explains Mertig.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Martin-Luther-Universita"t_Halle-Wittenberg. Note: Content may be edited
for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. D.-S. Park, A. D. Rata, I. V. Maznichenko, S. Ostanin, Y. L. Gan, S.

Agrestini, G. J. Rees, M. Walker, J. Li, J. Herrero-Martin,
G. Singh, Z.

Luo, A. Bhatnagar, Y. Z. Chen, V. Tileli, P. Muralt, A. Kalaboukhov,
I.

Mertig, K. Do"rr, A. Ernst, N. Pryds. The emergence of magnetic
ordering at complex oxide interfaces tuned by defects. Nature
Communications, 2020; 11 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17377-0 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200806101755.htm

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