The Magnetoelectric Effect in Ferroelectric/Ferromagnetic Film Hybrid Systems with Easy-Plane and Easy-Axis Anisotropy

The striction magnetoelectric effect in hybrid systems consisting of a magnetic film applied on the surface of a ferroelectric has been investigated. Films with planar (galfenol, nickel) and perpendicular (Co/Pt multilayer structures) magnetic anisotropy have been used. A PMN–PT crystal has served as ferroelectric. The hysteresis loops of magnetic films have been studied as a function of voltage applied to the ferroelectric crystal. A voltage applied to films with easy-plane anisotropy causes the anisotropy axis to turn in the plane of the sample. In structures with easy-axis anisotropy, the hysteresis shape changes, which, according to numerical simulation, may be associated with a change in interfacial Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya interaction at the Co/Pt interface.