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The superpower of multiferroics: Why do they have both magnetic and electrical properties?
In the field of physical science, multiferroic materials are undoubtedly one of the most attractive research objects. These materials have a variety of ferroic properties and can display both magnetic and electrical characteristics, which makes them have unlimited potential in modern technology. However, why are these materials able to possess these two seemingly contradictory properties at the same time? This article will take you to find out.
Multiferroic materials are defined as materials that exhibit multiple primary ferroic properties within the same phase, including ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity that can be switched by an applied electric or magnetic field.
Definition and types of multiferroic materials
According to scientific definition, multiferroic materials refer to materials that exhibit more than one main ferroic properties in the same phase, including ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity, ferroelasticity, etc. However, current research on multiferroic materials usually focuses on magnetoelectrically coupled multiferroic materials that can exhibit both ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties. This special structure makes them have great potential in application fields such as actuators, switches, magnetic field sensors and new electronic memory devices.The rise of multiferroic materials
Research on multiferroic materials began in 2000, when scientist N.A. Spaldin (then Hill) published a paper "Why are there so few magnetoelectric materials?" ”, this paper clarifies the source of contradiction between magnetism and ferroelectricity and proposes a practical solution path. Since then, specific methods for making multiferroic materials have gradually matured, promoting the vigorous development of their research.Multiferroics are popular because of their ability to control bidirectionally between electric and magnetic fields, making many technological applications feasible.
Analysis of electromagnetic coupling mechanism
When discussing multiferroic materials, we must understand their diverse mechanisms of electromagnetic coupling. Generally speaking, ferroelectric properties originate from a spontaneous electric polarization, a process usually caused by structural asymmetry. However, the magnetism in most transition metal oxides originates from the partially filled d-shell, which makes the difference in electron configuration an obstacle to the formation of multiferroic materials. Common mechanisms include lone pair activity, geometric ferroelectricity, charge sorting, and magnetically driven ferroelectricity. Among them, the ferroelectric displacement of lone pair active multiferroic materials such as BiFeO3 and BiMnO3 is driven by the A-site atoms, while the magnetism comes from the partially filled d-shell in the B-site.Application potential of multiferroic materials
The potential applications of multiferroic materials in various fields are exciting. From controlling magnetic electric fields to creating new memory components, its potential in electronics and magnetic storage technology cannot be underestimated. In particular, the ability to use electric fields to adjust magnetism is undoubtedly a revolutionary technological development.Scientists are working to develop multiferroic materials that can work efficiently at room temperature to provide a more flexible technical basis for the next generation of electronic products.
