Emergent perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at the interface of an oxide heterostructure

Controlling the magnetic anisotropy in magnetic oxides is critical for the development of oxide spintronics. Here we report on the finding of an emergent interfacial magnetism, with unique perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), at the interface of a half-doped manganite La1/2Sr1/2MnO3 film on LaAlO3 substrate, through combined electron spin resonance measurements and density functional theory calculations. The interfacial magnetism can be explained by the 3d(3z2-r2) orbital-mediated ferromagnetic exchange interaction between Mn ions near the interface, which is enhanced by the compressive strain from the substrate. Our results provide a useful PMA system for possible spintronic applications, as well as atomistic-level insight to the magnetic anisotropy in strained manganite oxide interfaces.

Automated summary

The study uncovers an emergent interfacial magnetism with unique perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at the interface of a half-doped manganite La1/2Sr1/2MnO3 film on LaAlO3 substrate. This interfacial magnetism is attributed to the ferromagnetic exchange interaction mediated by the 3d(3z2-r2) orbital between Mn ions near the interface, which is enhanced by the compressive strain from the substrate.