Giant magnetoelectric effect in an L21-ordered Co2FeSi/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 multiferroic heterostructure

We experimentally show a giant magnetoelectric (ME) effect at room temperature in an interfacial multiferroic heterostructure consisting of L2(1)-ordered Co2FeSi and Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O-3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT). Molecular beam epitaxy growth at 400 degrees C enables us to obtain epitaxial and L2(1)-ordered Co2FeSi films on PMN-PT(001). For the epitaxial Co2FeSi/PMN-PT heterostructure, the remanent magnetization state can be largely modulated by varying electric fields. We note that the room-temperature ME coupling coefficient (alpha) is estimated to be 6.0-6.3 x 10(-6) s/m, comparable to the highest a value reported previously. Nonvolatile and repeatable magnetization changes in remanent states are also demonstrated. These results will pave the way for room-temperature electric-field control of the magnetization of half-metallic Heusler alloys in high-performance spintronic devices. Published under license by AIP Publishing.

Automated summary

A giant magnetoelectric effect was experimentally demonstrated at room temperature in an interfacial multiferroic heterostructure of Co2FeSi and PMN-PT, with the estimated ME coupling coefficient comparable to the highest reported value. This research opens up new possibilities for room-temperature electric-field control of magnetization in high-performance spintronic devices utilizing half-metallic Heusler alloys.