Abstract
In systems with strong electron-lattice coupling, such as manganites, orbital degeneracy is lifted, what causes a null expectation value of the orbital moment. Magnetic structure is thus determined by spin-spin superexchange. In titanates, however, with much smaller Jahn-Teller distortions, orbital degeneracy might allow non-zero values of the orbital magnetic moment. Accordingly, novel forms of ferromagnetic superexchange interaction unique to t2g electrons systems have been theoretically predicted, although their experimental observation has remained elusive. Here we report a new kind of Ti3+ ferromagnetism at LaMnO3/SrTiO3 epitaxial interfaces. It results from charge transfer to the empty conduction band of the titanate and has spin and orbital contributions evidencing the role played by orbital degeneracy. The possibility of tuning magnetic alignment (ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic) of Ti and Mn moments by structural parameters is demonstrated. This result will provide important clues for the understanding of the effects of orbital degeneracy in superexchange coupling.
