title: Structural secrets of multiferroic interfaces.
abstract: We present an experimental and theoretical study of the geometric structure of ultrathin BaTiO(3) films grown on Fe(001). Surface x-ray diffraction reveals that the films are terminated by a BaO layer, while the TiO(2) layer is next to the top Fe layer. Cations in termination layers have incomplete oxygen shells inducing strong vertical relaxations. Onset of polarization is observed at a minimum thickness of two unit cells. Our findings are supported by first-principles calculations providing a quantitative insight into the multiferroic properties on the atomic scale.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institut für Mikrostrukturphysik, Weinberg 2, D-06120 Halle, Germany. hmeyerhm@mpi-halle.mpg.de
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Meyerheim
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Klimenta
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ernst
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mohseni
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ostanin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fechner
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parihar
authors.forename: I V
authors.initials: IV
authors.lastname: Maznichenko
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mertig
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kirschner