MAGNETOELECTRIC RESPONSES IN MULTIFERROIC COMPOSITE THIN FILMS

Abstract

Multiferroic composite thin films of ferroelectrics and magnets have attracted ever-increasing interest in most recent years. In this review, magnetoelectric (ME) responses as well as their underlying ME coupling mechanisms in such multiferroic composite thin films are discussed, oriented by their potential applications in novel ME devices. Among them, the direct ME response, i.e., magnetic-field control of polarization, can be exploited for micro-sensor applications (sensing magnetic field, electric current, light, etc.), mainly determined by a strain-mediated coupling interaction. The converse ME response, i.e., electric-field modulation of magnetism, offers great opportunities for new potential devices for spintronics and in data storage applications. A series of prototype ME devices based on both direct and converse ME responses have been presented. The review concludes with a remark on the future possibilities and scientific challenges in this field.