Enhanced multiferroic properties and domain structure of La-doped BiFeO3 thin films

BiFeO3 (BFO) and La-doped BFO (BLFO) thin films were grown on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrate using pulsed laser deposition. The domain structures of the BFO and BLFO were investigated via piezoresponse force microscopy. Highly enhanced ferroelectric properties with great remanent polarization (P-r) of 102 mu C cm(-2) and decreased leakage current density were obtained via La doping. The magnetic property was also increased by the La doping, ascribed to spatial homogenization of the spin arrangement. The mechanisms for the enhancement of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic characteristics are discussed. (C) 2010 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.