Can multiferroics be synthesied by superlattice approach?

Multiferroics are materials which display simultaneously ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism and possess the multiferroic coupling. However, availability of these materials are rare. Thus, designing the materials with these extraordinary properties is a big challenge. In the present paper, we address the basic question as to how one can design the artificial multiferroics by an alternative technique, namely the superlattice approach. We show such a possibility by taking the examples of our work on the superlattices composed of the ultrathin layers of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 and BaTiO3. Films were grown on SrTiO3 at 720 °C and 100 mTorr O2 partial pressure by pulsed laser deposition technique. Films are characterized by the various techniques for their structural and physical properties. The origin of the multiferroism in these structures will also be described.