Coherent electric field manipulation of Fe3+ spins in PbTiO3

Magnetoelectrics, materials that exhibit coupling between magnetic and electric degrees of freedom, not only offer a rich environment for studying the fundamental materials physics of spin-charge coupling but also present opportunities for future information technology paradigms. We present results of electric field manipulation of spins in a ferroelectric medium using dilute ferric ion-doped lead titanate as a model system. Combining first-principles calculations and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we show that the ferric ion spins are preferentially aligned perpendicular to the ferroelectric polar axis, which we can manipulate using an electric field. We also demonstrate coherent control of the phase of spin superpositions by applying electric field pulses during time-resolved EPR measurements. Our results suggest a new pathway toward the manipulation of spins for quantum and classical spintronics.

Automated summary

Magnetoelectrics, materials that exhibit coupling between magnetic and electric degrees of freedom, provide a rich environment for studying the fundamental materials physics of spin-charge coupling and offer opportunities for future information technology paradigms. Results show that spins of ferric ions can be preferentially aligned perpendicular to the ferroelectric polar axis and manipulated using an electric field, with coherent control of spin superpositions achieved by applying electric field pulses during time-resolved EPR measurements. These findings suggest a new pathway towards spin manipulation for quantum and classical spintronics.