Hybrid-parity sliding multiferroics

Abstract

In this work, we introduce a class of hybrid-parity sliding multiferroics in which the spontaneous ferroelectric polarization is coupled to certain nonrelativistic spin splitting components through interlayer sliding, allowing these components to be reversibly switched in an electrical way. Symmetry analysis identifies coplanar magnets as natural platforms for realizing this form of sliding multiferroicity. First-principles calculations establish bilayer VBr$_2$ as a representative example, demonstrating the coupled reversal of the out-of-plane ferroelectric polarization and the signs of both even- and odd-parity nonrelativistic spin splitting components via an interlayer-sliding pathway. The signs of these nonrelativistic spin splitting components are locked to the sliding-switchable ferroelectric polarization and encoded in the spin-current responses, providing a signature of the coupled ferroic switching. Our findings expand the scope of sliding multiferroics and the functionality of sliding ferroelectrics for low-energy, nonvolatile logic devices.