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arXiv · 1711.10021

Electrical Control of Structural and Physical Properties via Strong Spin-Orbit Interactions in Sr2IrO4

G. Cao·J. Terzic·H. D. Zhao·H. Zheng·L. E. De Long·Peter S. Riseborough
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Abstract

Electrical control of structural and physical properties is a long-sought, but elusive goal of contemporary science and technology. We demonstrate that a combination of strong spin-orbit interactions (SOI) and a canted antiferromagnetic (AFM) Mott state is sufficient to attain that goal. The AFM insulator Sr2IrO4 provides a model system in which strong SOI lock canted Ir magnetic moments to IrO6-octahedra, causing them to rigidly rotate together. A novel coupling between an applied electrical current and the canting angle reduces the Néel temperature and drives a large, non-linear lattice expansion that closely tracks the magnetization, increases the electron mobility, and precipitates a unique resistive switching effect. Our observations open new avenues for understanding fundamental physics driven by strong SOI in condensed matter, and provide a new paradigm for functional materials and devices.

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G. Cao, J. Terzic, H. D. Zhao, H. Zheng, L. E. De Long, Peter S. Riseborough. 2017-11-27. Electrical Control of Structural and Physical Properties via Strong Spin-Orbit Interactions in Sr2IrO4. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.120.017201

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