Superconducting quantum interference device setup for magnetoelectric measurements

A commercial superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) setup (MPMS 5S from Quantum Design), equipped with a magnetic ac susceptibility option, is modified for measurements of the linear magnetoelectric (ME) effect, i.e., of the magnetic moment induced by an applied external electric field in a ME sample. Test measurements on a Cr2O3 (111) single crystal are in excellent agreement with previously reported data of its ME susceptibility. The main advantages of the proposed setup are the improved precision due to the high sensitivity of the SQUID magnetometer in combination with the lock-in technique and a relatively simple experimental realization. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.