Asymmetric Modulation on Exchange Field in a Graphene/BiFeO₃ Heterostructure by External Magnetic Field

Graphene, having all atoms on its surface, is favorable to extend the functions by introducing the spin–orbit coupling and magnetism through proximity effect. Here, we report the tunable interfacial exchange field produced by proximity coupling in graphene/BiFeO₃ heterostructures. The exchange field has a notable dependence with external magnetic field, and it is much larger under negative magnetic field than that under positive magnetic field. For negative external magnetic field, interfacial exchange coupling gives rise to evident spin splitting for <i>N</i> ≠ 0 Landau levels and a quantum Hall metal state for <i>N</i> = 0 Landau level. Our findings suggest graphene/BiFeO₃ heterostructures are promising for spintronics