Quasi-static modulation of multiferroic properties in flexible magnetoelectric Cr2O3/muscovite heteroepitaxy

Due to the strong coupling between electrical polarization and magnetization, magnetoelectric materials show promising features for low-power spintronics and ultra-sensitive magnetic sensors. Compared to the conventional tunning of magnetoelectricity, this work presents a modulation of magnetic and elec-tric orders in magnetoelectric material through a quasi-static mechanical strain. To acquire this, linear magnetoelectric Cr2O3 film is fabricated epitaxially on muscovite substrates. Taking the natural flexibility of muscovite, applying a strain to the heterostructure is feasible via mechanical bending. In the bending experiment, the magnetization of Cr2O3 film can be enhanced significantly, and the techniques of X-ray absorption dichroism unveil insights with support from theoretical predictions. Besides, the electric po-larization and magnetoelectric coupling of Cr2O3 can also be adjusted by mechanical bending. This work offers a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between quasi-static strain and magnetic and electrical behaviors and opens a new aspect of the combination between magnetoelectric materials and flexible substrates for future development. (c) 2022 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigates the modulation of magnetic and electric orders in magnetoelectric materials through quasi-static mechanical strain. It is found that mechanical bending can significantly enhance the magnetization of Cr2O3 film and adjust its electric polarization and magnetoelectric coupling. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between strain and magnetic and electrical behaviors and opens new possibilities for combining magnetoelectric materials with flexible substrates.