Polar Spinel-Perovskite Interfaces: an atomistic study of Fe3O4(111)/SrTiO3(111) structure and functionality

Sci Rep. 2016 Jul 14:6:29724. doi: 10.1038/srep29724.

Abstract

Atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy combined with ab initio electronic calculations are used to determine the structure and properties of the Fe3O4(111)/SrTiO3(111) polar interface. The interfacial structure and chemical composition are shown to be atomically sharp and of an octahedral Fe/SrO3 nature. Band alignment across the interface pins the Fermi level in the vicinity of the conduction band of SrTiO3. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate very high spin-polarization of Fe3O4 in the interface vicinity which suggests that this system may be an excellent candidate for spintronic applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't