Theory of magnetoelectric effects at magnetoacoustic resonance in single-crystal ferromagnetic-ferroelectric heterostructures

A theoretical model that predicts very strong magnetoelectric (ME) interactions at magnetoacoustic resonance (MAR) in single-crystal ferrite-piezoelectric bilayer is discussed. In such bilayers, the ME interactions are mediated by mechanical strain. We considered ME coupling at the coincidence of electromechanical resonance for the electrical subsystem and ferromagnetic resonance for the ferrite. The theory predicts efficient transfer of energy between phonons, spin waves, and electric and magnetic fields at MAR. Ultrahigh ME coefficients, on the order of 80-480 V/cm Oe at 5-10 GHz, are expected for nickel ferrite-lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and yttrium-iron garnet-PZT bilayers. The phenomenon is also of importance for the realization of multifunctional ME nanosensors/transducers operating at microwave frequencies.