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Getting a picture of a d or f atomic orbital has been a challenge, but the X-ray scattering technique reported here enables direct transition from core s orbitals to the d orbitals so that their spatial shape can be mapped with no need for modelling.

The coupling of ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic order in BiFeO₃ makes it appealing for applications however the presence of domain structure acts to undermine this potential. Here, the authors demonstrate BiFeO₃thin films with a single domain of electrical polarization and canted antiferromagnetic order.

The remote, non-volatile and reversible optical control of ferroic orders is challenging. Here, using laser illumination, multiple orders in epitaxial mixed-phase BiFeO₃ are manipulated deterministically using a thermally driven flexoelectric effect.

Ca\({}_{3}\)Co\({}_{2}\)O\({}_{6}\) has an unconventional magnetic structure displaying quantum tunnelling phenomena in its magnetization. Here, the authors use s-core-level non-resonant inelastic X-ray scattering to image the atomic Co 3d orbital that is responsible for the Ising magnetism in this system.

To fully exploit the potential of multiferroic materials the control of their intrinsic degrees of freedom is a prerequisite. Here, the control of spin orientation in strained BiFeO₃ films is demonstrated elucidating the microscopic mechanism of the complex interplay of polar and magnetic order.

PbFeO₃ is part of a family of lead based perovskites with many intriguing properties; however, difficulties in synthesis have hampered investigation. Here, the authors present a detailed study of the structure of PbFeO₃ observing unique charge ordering and spin orientation among the constituent ions.

There are few reports of ferroelectricity due to symmetry breaking transition in A-site-ordered quadruple perovskites. Here, the authors find one with phase transition from a high-temperature centrosymmetric paraelectric phase to a low-temperature non-centrosymmetric ferroelectric phase in a high pressure synthesized compound.

Lattice-oxygen redox is pivotal for high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. Here, LiNiO₂, a unary 3d-transition metal oxide catalyst, exhibits superefficient activity during the OER due to the creation of double O 2p holes states, according to operando XAS, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy observations.

Electrical control of the spin degree of freedom has enabled various vital applications in modern electronic devices, ranging from magnetoelectronics and spintronics to high-frequency devices. We demonstrate a new approach to ‘write’ enhanced magnetization in a single-phase multiferroic thin film by the application of an electric field. The induced magnetization can be controlled with nanoscopic precision via the assistance of scanning probe techniques, thus offering high potential for use in multifunctional, low power consumption and green nanoelectronics.

Fe₃O₄ remains of interest for its enigmatic Verwey transition and spintronic potential. This study on high-quality thin films reveals anisotropic, tunable behavior under magnetic field due to magnetostriction via spin-orbit effects, closed-loop magnetoresistance, and active spin-polarized tunneling.

High-entropy alloys are interesting as they enable the stabilization of high-symmetry phases, giving rise to unique emerging properties. Here, selenium fluctuations in (Ag,Sn)Se are investigated, revealing their role in promoting superconductivity and stabilizing the cubic rocksalt structure.