Multiferroics and magnetoelectrics: thin films and nanostructures

Abstract

Multiferroic materials, or materials that simultaneously possess two or more ferroic orderparameters, have returned to the forefront of materials research. Driven by the desireto achieve new functionalities—such as electrical control of ferromagnetism atroom temperature—researchers have undertaken a concerted effort to identifyand understand the complexities of multiferroic materials. The ability to createhigh quality thin film multiferroics stands as one of the single most importantlandmarks in this flurry of research activity. In this review we discuss the basics ofmultiferroics including the important order parameters and magnetoelectric couplingin materials. We then discuss in detail the growth of single phase, horizontalmultilayer, and vertical heterostructure multiferroics. The review ends with a look tothe future and how multiferroics can be used to create new functionalities inmaterials.