Topological functionalities in perovskite oxides

The project seeks to achieve topological insulators (TIs) properties in oxides by utilizing the polarization of a ferroelectric material to tune the Rashba-type spin-orbit coupling at the interface where two-dimensional Fermi gases form. Superlattice systems such as BiFeO3/La1-xSrxMnO3 (BFO/LSMO) or LaReO3/LaOsO3 are considered possible candidates for this polarisation-induced TIs. Additionally, vortex-type structures, involving polarization curling at unit cell forming in very thin and/or small systems will be studied. We expect that the above studies will have implications in defining a new state of matter in polar materials in which topological protected states are associated to chirality of polar vortices.