Abstract
We present a microscopic theory that shows the importance of spin-orbit coupling in perovskite compounds with heavy ions. In (BFO) the spin-orbit coupling at the bismuth ion sites results in a special kind of magnetic anisotropy that is linear in the applied field. This interaction can convert the cycloid ground state into a homogeneous antiferromagnet, with a weak ferromagnetic moment whose orientation can be controlled by the -field direction. Remarkably, the -field control of magnetism occurs without poling the ferroelectric moment, providing a pathway for reduced energy dissipation in spin-based devices made of insulators.
- Received 27 September 2012
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.267202
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