Electric-Field-Induced Magnetization Reversal in a Ferromagnet-Multiferroic Heterostructure

A reversal of magnetization requiring only the application of an electric field can lead to low-power spintronic devices by eliminating conventional magnetic switching methods. Here we show a nonvolatile, room temperature magnetization reversal determined by an electric field in a ferromagnet-multiferroic system. The effect is reversible and mediated by an interfacial magnetic coupling dictated by the multiferroic. Such electric-field control of a magnetoelectric device demonstrates an avenue for next-generation, low-energy consumption spintronics.
Published in Physical Review Letters, v107 article 217202, 18 Nov 2011. The original document contains color images.