Magnetic field induced ferroelectric loop in Bi0.75Sr0.25FeO3-δ

Magnetic field induced ferroelectric hysteresis loop observed in Bi0.75Sr0.25FeO3-delta is of prime importance. The coexistence of antiferromagnetism and weak ferromagnetism is responsible for the original magnetoelastic and magnetoferroelectric properties. Upon external magnetic field application, the existence of a magnetostrictive effect supports a structural transition toward a homogeneous antiferromagnetic and ferroelectric phase. The magnetic field induced polarization is among the highest reported for BiFeO3 based systems in either thin film or bulk form (P-r=96 mu C/cm(2) at 10 T) while the ferroelectric coercive field is among the lowest reported (H-c=661 V/cm at 10 T). These properties make this material very attractive for technical applications. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.