Multiferroic BaTaO3–NaFe2 O4 composites: from bulk to multilayer thin films

Abstract

Over the past decade, magnetoelectric multiferroic materials have been one of the highest priority research topics as they represent new generation of novel multifunctional materials. Multiferroics are characterized by the coexistence of at least two ferroic orders and the presence of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism, as well as a strong coupling interaction between them (defined as magnetoelectric effect). These properties are essential for new applications in multifunctional devices. This article focuses on various fabrication techniques used for preparation of multiferroic composite ceramics and thin films. The main goals are comparing obtained composite and thin film structures and their properties and acquiring a better understanding of the coupling between magnetic and ferroelectric orders that could surely be very helpful in the design of novel multiferroic materials and hence elucidating their new applications.