Direct magnetization-polarization coupling in BaCuF4

Herewith, first-principles calculations based on density functional theory are used to describe the ideal magnetization reversal through polarization switching in BaCuF4 which, according to our results, could be accomplished close to room temperature. We also show that this ideal coupling is driven by a single soft mode that combines both polarization, and octahedral rotation. The later being directly coupled to the weak ferromagnetism of BaCuF4. This, added to its strong Jahn-Teller distortion and its orbital ordering, makes this material a very appealing prototype for crystals in the ABX4 family for multifunctional applications. The described mechanism behaves ideally as it couples the ferroelectric and the magnetic properties naturally and it has not been reported previously.