Origin of the Magnetoelectric Coupling Effect in Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3/La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 Multiferroic Heterostructures

The electronic valence state of Mn in Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O-3/La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 multiferroic heterostructures is probed by near edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy as a function of the ferroelectric polarization. We observe a temperature independent shift in the absorption edge of Mn associated with a change in valency induced by charge carrier modulation in the La0.8Sr0.2MnO3, demonstrating the electronic origin of the magnetoelectric effect. Spectroscopic, magnetic, and electric characterization shows that the large magnetoelectric response originates from a modified interfacial spin configuration, opening a new pathway to the electronic control of spin in complex oxide materials.