Strain-mediated multiferroic control of spontaneous exchange bias in Ni-NiO heterostructures

Abstract

This paper presents the measurement of strain-mediated multiferroic control of spontaneous exchange bias (SEB) in magnetostrictive nickel/nickel oxide (Ni/NiO) bilayers on ferroelectric lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT). Electric field control of a positive to negative exchange bias shift was measured, with an overall shift of 40.5 Oe, corresponding to a 325% change. Observed changes in coercivity are also reported and provide insight into the role of competing anisotropies in these structures. The findings in this paper provide evidence that magnetoelastic anisotropy can be utilized to control spontaneous exchange bias (SEB). This control of SEB is accomplished by modifying a bulk anisotropy (magnetoelasticity) that adjusts the mobility of interfacial anti-ferromagnetic spins and, therefore, the magnitude of the exchange bias. The demonstrated magnetoelastic control of exchange bias provides a useful tool in the creation of future magnetoelectric devices.