Charge transfer in iridate-manganite superlattices

Abstract

Charge transfer in superlattices consisting of SrIrO$_3$ and SrMnO$_3$ is investigated using density functional theory. Despite the nearly identical work function and non-polar interfaces between SrIrO$_3$ and SrMnO$_3$, rather large charge transfer was experimentally reported between them. Our results provide a qualitative understanding to such experimental reports. We further develop a microscopic model that captures the mechanism behind this phenomenon. This leads to unique strain dependence of such charge transfer in iridate-manganite superlattices. The predicted behavior is consistently verified by experiment. Our work thus demonstrates a new route to control electronic states in non-polar oxide heterostructures.