Electric-field-induced magnetization reversal in a ferromagnet-multiferroic heterostructure

Phys Rev Lett. 2011 Nov 18;107(21):217202. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.217202. Epub 2011 Nov 14.

Abstract

A reversal of magnetization requiring only the application of an electric field can lead to low-power spintronic devices by eliminating conventional magnetic switching methods. Here we show a nonvolatile, room temperature magnetization reversal determined by an electric field in a ferromagnet-multiferroic system. The effect is reversible and mediated by an interfacial magnetic coupling dictated by the multiferroic. Such electric-field control of a magnetoelectric device demonstrates an avenue for next-generation, low-energy consumption spintronics.