Imprinting magnetic information in manganites with x rays

Phys Rev Lett. 2012 Oct 12;109(15):157203. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.157203. Epub 2012 Oct 9.

Abstract

The effect of x rays on an orbital and charge ordered epitaxial film of a Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3 is presented. As the film is exposed to x rays, the antiferromagnetic response increases and concomitantly the conductivity of the film improve. These results are discussed in terms of a persistent x-ray induced doping, leading to a modification of the magnetic structure. This effect allows writing electronic and magnetic information in the film and represents a novel way of manipulating magnetism.