Low frequency and Microwave Magnetoelectric Effects in Thick Film Heterostructures of Lithium Zinc Ferrite and Lead Zirconate Titanate

Magnetoelectric (ME) coupling at low frequencies and at x-band have been investigated in layered samples containing zinc substituted lithium ferrite and lead zirconate titanate (PZT). Multilayers of Li0.5-x/2ZnxFe2.5-x/2O4 (LZFO) (x=0-0.4) and PZT were prepared by lamination and sintering of thick films. At low frequencies (10-1000 Hz), the ME voltage coefficient for transverse fields is higher than for longitudinal fields. With Zn substitution in the ferrite, transverse coupling increases to a maximum for x=0.3 and then decreases for higher x. Analysis based on our model for a bilayer implies an efficient magneto-mechanical coupling with Zn substitution, resulting in strong ME interactions. Microwave ME coupling is studied through measurements of shift in the ferromagnetic resonance field due to an applied electric field. Estimated ME constants from such data are in agreement with our model for a ferrite-PZT bilayer.Comment: To be published in Solid State Communication

Frequency Dependence of Magnetoelectric Interactions in Layered Structures of Ferromagnetic Alloys and Piezoelectric Oxides

Magnetoelectric (ME) interactions in layered structures of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric phases are mediated by mechanical deformation. Here we discuss the frequency dependence of ME coupling in bilayers and trilayers of Permendur, a ferromagnetic alloy, and lead zirconate titanate. Data on ME voltage coefficient versus frequency profiles reveal a giant ME coupling at electromechanical resonance. The maximum voltage coefficient of 90 V/cm Oe is three orders of magnitude higher than low-frequency values. The ME interactions for transverse fields is an order of magnitude stronger than for longitudinal fields. These results are in agreement with theory. The resonance ME effect, therefore, is a novel tool for enhancing the magnetic-to-electric field conversion efficiency in the composites.Comment: accepted for publication as rapid communication in Applied Physics

Resonance magnetoelectric effects in layered magnetostrictive-piezoelectric composites

Magnetoelectric interactions in bilayers of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric phases are mediated by mechanical deformation. Here we discuss the theory and companion data for magnetoelectric (ME) coupling at electromechanical resonance (EMR) in a ferrite-lead zirconate titanate (PZT) bilayer. Estimated ME voltage coefficient versus frequency profiles for nickel, cobalt, or lithium ferrite and PZT reveal a giant ME effect at EMR with the highest coupling expected for cobalt ferrite-PZT. Measurements of resonance ME coupling have been carried out on layered and bulk composites of nickel ferrite-PZT. We observe a factor of 40-600 increase in ME voltage coefficient at EMR compared to low frequency values. Theoretical ME voltage coefficients versus frequency profiles are in excellent agreement with data. The resonance ME effect is therefore a novel tool for enhancing the field conversion efficiency in the composites

Direct and converse magnetoelectric effect at resonant frequency in laminar piezoelectric-magnetostrictive composite.

Laminar piezoelectric-magnetostrictive composites using piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate ceramics and the giant magnetostrictive rare-earth-iron alloy Terfenol-D were prepared by epoxy bonding. The direct and converse magnetoelectric (ME) effects at and off the mechanical resonant frequency were characterized and compared to the theoretical modelling. The mechanical resonant frequency of the composites depended on the sample orientation and the magnetic DC bias field. In the longitudinal configuration, the resonant frequency shifted down monotonically with the increasing bias field. When the sample was in the transverse configuration, the resonant frequency decreased with the increasing field at first. However, at higher bias, it shifted up with the increasing bias. A phenomenological model based on the à  E effect of magnetostrictive materials is proposed to explain the observed phenomen