The development of spintronic devices based on antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials as opposed to ferromagnetic (FM) materials has received significant interest in recent years due to promising characteristics including fast operating speeds, nanoscalability, and stability against stray magnetic fields. Challenges remain in terms of the control and detection of AFM spin textures, particularly in nanoscale geometries needed for device implementation. In this talk, I will discuss the ability to tailor both FM and AFM spin textures in nanoscale complex oxides using a patterning process based on ion implantation to create AFM La0.7Sr0.3FeO3 islands embedded within a non-magnetic matrix [1]. A complex 3D strain state develops within the AFM islands from the combined effects of the underlying substrate and surrounding amorphous matrix [2]. X-ray photoemission electron microscopy imaging of the FM and AFM spin textures demonstrates that an intricate interplay exists between shape and magnetocrystalline anisotropy energies as well as exchange interactions with an adjacent ferromagnetic La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 layer [3]. Together these studies demonstrate that complex oxide heterostructures provide a unique platform for engineering spin textures for spintronics applications.

[1] Y. Takamura et al., Nano Letters 6, 1287 (2006).
[2] M. S. Lee, Y. Takamura et al., ACS Nano 10, 8545 (2016).
[3] M. S. Lee, Y. Takamura et al., J. Appl. Phys. 127, 204901 (2020); Y. Takamura et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 107201 (2013).