Current-controlled magnetization using interfacial localizations in heterostructures

A systematic study is conducted on an electrically controlled magnetization in tri-layers containing two layers of ferromagnetic (FM) SrRuO3, with antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulating manganites sandwiched in between. Magneto-resistance curves exhibit that a huge weak anti-localization or localization shapes around zero magnetic field and the localization shapes and coercive fields change simultaneously by currents. This results propose that interface-driven magnetic inhomogeneity such as the FM clusters embedded in the AFM matrix, and corresponding localizations play a role as a bridge between the current and magnetism. The results suggest that interfacial magnetism can cause new functions in a heterostructure, leading to an expansion of research subjects of current-controlled magnetism.