Advanced synthesis techniques and routes to new single-phase multiferroics

We review recent developments and advances in the synthesis of thin-film multiferroic and magnetoelectric heterostructures. Driven by the promise of new materials with built-in useful phenomena (i.e., electric field control of ferromagnetism), extensive research has been centered on the search for and characterization of new single-phase multiferroic materials. In this review we provide a brief overview of recent developments in the synthesis of thin film versions of these materials. Advances in modern film growth processes have provided access to high-quality materials for in-depth study. We highlight the use of epitaxial thin-film strain to stabilize metastable phases, drive multiferroic properties, and produce new structures and properties in materials including case studies of EuTiO3 and BiFeO3. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.