Charge transfer and hybrid ferroelectricity in (YFeO$_{3}$)$_{n}$/(YTiO$_{3}$)$_{n}$ magnetic superlattices

Abstract

Interfaces in oxide heterostructures always provide a fertile ground for emergent properties. Charge transfer from a high energy band to a low energy opponent is naturally expected, as occurring in semiconductor $p$-$n$ junctions. In this study, several exceptional physical phenomena have been predicted in (YFeO$_3$)$_n$/(YTiO$_3$)$_n$ superlattices. First, the charge transfer between these Mott insulators is in opposite to the intuitive band alignment scenario. Second, hybrid ferroelectricity with a moderate polarization is generated in the $n=2$ magnetic superlattice. Furthermore, the ferroelectric-type distortion can persist even if the ($AB$O$_3$)$_2$/($AB$'O$_3$)$_2$ system turns to be metallic, rending possible metallic ferroelectricity.