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In antiferromagnetic spintronics control of the domains and corresponding spin axis orientation is crucial for devices. Here we investigate the antiferromagnetic axis in (111)-oriented LaFeO3/SrTiO3, which is coupled to structural twin domains. The structural domains have either the orthorhombic a- or b-axis along the in-plane 110 cubic directions of the substrate, and the corresponding magnetic domains have the antiferromagnetic axis in the sample plane. Six degenerate antiferromagnetic axes are found corresponding to the 110 and 112 in-plane directions. This is in contrast to the biaxial anisotropy in (001)-oriented films and reflects how crystal orientation can be used to control magnetic anisotropy in antiferromagnets.

In antiferromagnetic spintronics control of the domains and corresponding spin axis orientation is crucial for devices. Here we investigate the antiferromagnetic axis in (111)-oriented LaFeO3/SrTiO3, which is coupled to structural twin domains. The structural domains have either the orthorhombic a- or b-axis along the in-plane 〈110〉 cubic directions of the substrate, and the corresponding magnetic domains have the antiferromagnetic axis in the sample plane. Six degenerate antiferromagnetic axes are found corresponding to the 〈110〉 and 〈112〉 in-plane directions. This is in contrast to the biaxial anisotropy in (001)-oriented films and reflects how crystal orientation can be used to control magnetic anisotropy in antiferromagnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed-valence manganite thin films are attractive for spintronic devices. Crystalline orientation is a promising route to tailor switching mechanisms, as magnetization reversal depends on the magnetic anisotropy. Here, magnetic properties of (111)-oriented La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films are elucidated by correlating macroscopic and local properties. The coercive field is an order of magnitude lower than (001)-oriented La0.7Sr0.3MnO3. Locally, a 6-fold magnetic anisotropy is observed, while macroscopically, an isotropic response is prevailing. This local coupling between the symmetry of the (111)-facet and magnetization governs the domain reversal process, demonstrating that symmetry offers a route to control magnetic properties for spintronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]