Switching magnetization by 180° with an electric field


Switching magnetization by 180° with an electric field

Fechner, M.; Zahn, P.; Ostanin, S.; Bibes, M.; Mertig, I.

Magnetoelectric coupling allows for manipulating the magnetization by an external electric field or the electrical polarization by an external magnetic field. Here, we propose a mechanism to electrically induce 180 degree magnetization switching combining two effects: the magnetoelectric coupling at a multiferroic interface and magnetic interlayer exchange coupling. By means of first-principles methods, we investigate a ferroelectric layer in contact with a Fe/Au/Fe trilayer. The calculations show that the interface magnetism is strongly coupled to the ferroelectric layer. Furthermore, under certain conditions a reversal of polarization causes a sign reversal of the interlayer exchange coupling which is results in a 180 degree switching of the free layer magnetization. We argue that this magnetoelectric coupling mechanism is very robust and can find applications in magnetic data storage.

Keywords: 85.80.Jm; 31.15.A-; 75.30.Et; 85.75.-d; first principles electronic structure; magnetic multilayer; magneto-electric coupling; magnetic interlayer exchange coupling

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-17387
Publ.-Id: 17387