Altered magnetism and new electronic length scales in magneto-electric La2 3Sr1 3MnO3-BiFeO3 heterointerface

We map out the charge-spin density profile of magneto-electric La2 3Sr1 3MnO3 (LSMO)-BiFeO3 (BFO) heterostructure using soft x-ray resonant magnetic reflectivity. We show that the spatial extent of interface orbitals can extend over a few lattice periods even for an atomically sharp interface. While LSMO magnetization is depleted at the interface, BFO does develop a weak magnetic moment mostly near the interface, probably due to a proximity-induced charge-transfer process. Our study reveals that simultaneous control of electronic and magnetic interfaces is essential in realizing the potential of oxide devices.