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Due to the strong interlayer coupling between multiple degrees of freedom, oxide heterostructures usually produce distinct interfacial phases with unexpected functionalities. Here, we report on the realization of quasi-two-dimensional ferromagnetic state in ultrathin La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) layer down to two unit cells (u.c.), being sandwiched by the planar infinite-layer structured SrCuO2 layers (P-SCO). We find the LSMO/P-SCO interface coupling has greatly suppressed the magnetic dead layer of LSMO, resulting in an emergent interfacial ferromagnetic phase. Thus, robust ferromagnetic order can be maintained in the 2 u.c.-thick LSMO layer (∼7.7 Å), showing a Curie temperature of ∼260 K and remarkable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. X-ray absorption spectra reveal notable charge transfer from Mn to Cu at the interface, and thus, resulted preferential d3z2−r2 orbital occupation for interfacial Mn ions plays an important role in the inducing of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in quasi-two-dimensional LSMO layer. Our work demonstrates a unique approach for tuning the properties of oxides via an interface engineering of oxygen coordination in perovskite/infinite-layer heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin–orbit torque (SOT) induced magnetization switching in an energy-efficient and fast way has exhibited great application potential in next generation magnetic memories. However, a complicated layer structure is usually needed to break the mirror symmetry for achieving SOT induced field-free magnetization switching. Here, we report a sizeable field-free magnetization switching through large out-of-plane SOT in the chemically disordered A1-CoxPt100−x single layers within a Co composition range from 40 to 70. The largest absolute out-of-plane SOT efficiency is found at its equiatomic concentration (Co50Pt50), in which the absolute in-plane SOT efficiency also reaches the maximum value, 22.7 Oe/107 A cm−2. We further demonstrate that the symmetry dependence of field-free magnetization switching might arise from the chemically ordered L11-CoPt nano-scaled platelets formed during the sample deposition. We expect that the experimental identification of the field-free magnetization switching in the ferromagnetic CoPt single layer is desirable to simplify the applications of spin logic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies pay more attention to the heterophase interfaces of nanocomposites due to their effective sinks for radiation-induced point defects and traps for helium. An amorphous structure with excessive free volume also possesses high He solubility and irradiation resistance, but its effect on helium irradiation of the nanocomposites is not clear. Here, the helium irradiation effect of a crystalline/amorphous/crystalline sandwich structured W/Amorphous/Cu nanocomposite (W/A/Cu) is investigated. The results show that helium swelling resistance of a W/A/Cu nanocomposite is enhanced after introducing an amorphous layer due to strong sink strength of the crystalline/amorphous-W(Cu)/A interface and high He solubility of amorphous layers. This result sheds light on the design of radiation-tolerant materials for advanced nuclear reactor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]