Projects / Programmes
Nanostructured Magnetoelectric and Multiferroic Systems
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P260 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic and optical properties, supraconductors, magnetic resonance, relaxation, spectroscopy |
magnetoelectrics, multiferoics, artificial superstructures, thin films
Researchers (5)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
32783 |
PhD Sandra Gardonio |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2010 - 2011 |
0 |
| 2. |
21174 |
PhD Aleksander Grm |
Mechanics |
Researcher |
2008 |
0 |
| 3. |
32349 |
PhD Santosh Babu Gunda |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2010 - 2011 |
0 |
| 4. |
23603 |
PhD Urša Pirnat |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2009 - 2011 |
0 |
| 5. |
11991 |
PhD Matjaž Valant |
Materials science and technology |
Head |
2008 - 2011 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
1540 |
University of Nova Gorica |
Nova Gorica |
5920884000 |
0 |
Abstract
In this proposal we wish to explore nanostructured magnetoelectric/multiferroic thin films. ‘Multiferroic’ is a term given to materials that exhibit coupled electric, magnetic and structural order parameters that result in simultaneous ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism and/or ferroelasticity often described as a coupling between the spin and dipole ordering. Such coupling can also be obtained by a ‘Magnetoelectric’ composite which has a product-coupling of magnetostriction and piezoelectricity via interface strain. Here we will combine the multiferroic effect with the magnetoelectric effect, by varying the film thickness in an artificial superstructured thin film. The proposed research is to apply our expertise in thin-films research and device design to realize switchable multiferroic thin films made of novel multiferroic artificial superstructures deposited on a piezoelectrically active substrates. By carefully selecting materials that are crystallographically compatible we will build up a superstructure from the atomic scale. This approach would allow a flexible design of the functional properties and an investigation of phenomena that are not, or rarely, present in conventional crystal structures or conventional thin films. With a better understanding of the physical principles of the magnetoelectric coupling and the crystal chemistry of the selected materials we will investigate the relation between two important coupling modes, namely the elastic mediated and the direct spin-dipole ordering (inherent multiferroic) mechanism. Also we will control the ME coupling by examine the extent of magnetic and electric domain walls interaction which will be influenced by strain, stress and chemical substitutions.
In addition, instead of using a passive substrate we will use an active piezoelectric substrate, which will also respond to an external electric field, thereby acting as an active piezoelectric component incorporated into the engineered magnetoelectric system. One major importance lies in the fact that the piezoelectric substrate performs two vital functions. First, it provides a lattice match for the films and second by using the piezoelectric effect of the substrate (ie movement) we can induce magnetostriction in the film.
Significance for science
The scientific and technological objectives of the proposed research and development were highly challenging. It has produced important results and new knowledge in the field of nanoscale electro-magnetic interactions at frequencies up to RF, and devices that can be exploited by industry in novel future electronic systems. It was oriented towards producing new knowledge and long-term innovation for industry.
Newly developed thin film materials such as piezoelectrics, magnetics and multiferroics hold great potential for improved functionality in devices in a wide range of frequencies, but are still in the critical stage of materials development. Accurate characterization of the ME coupling properties of these emerging materials can have a large impact on the development of future electronic systems. The new knowledge based on this type of multifunctional materials with tailored properties begins with an understanding of (micro)structure-tailoring methodology, control of the intrinsic properties, realistic material processing and fundamental physical models applicable to real systems. This would open new prospects in the nanotechnology-based production of multifunctional thin films for new products and processes targeting a wide range of applications.
Significance for the country
The project content was harmonized with the National Research and Developmet Programme as it focused on the fundamenta aspect of materials, which are potentially important for high-tech production programs with high added value. In addition, the project content fit in the thematic priorties of the public call - in its third priority theme that describes, the research of new materials, new production processes, tools and technologies.
Because of the fundamentally different principles of the devices based on ME components, it is expected that by applying them in modern electronic systems they can be changed in a way that their functional efficiency will be highly superior in comparison with today’s systems. The successful outcome of the project represents an important contribution to the application of multiferroics not only in the field of special electronics but also in many other areas. For instance, in the quest for ever-higher data densities, the manipulation of magnetic domains by means other than a magnetic field is of high technological interest. Artificial multiferroics would offer the possibility of setting or reading the magnetic state by means of a coexisting ferroelectric state, making use of the giant ME effect.
The project was highly interdisciplinary and it focused on research currently far beyond the state-of-the-art. It required involvement of chemists, physicists and engineers and expertise in sophisticated analytical techniques and computational simulations. We expect a significant indirect impact of our research in the terms of involvement with highly respected international research partners, that we established in the course of the project, scientific publications, which contribute to the positive image of a developed, high-tech country, increased scientific and technolgical awareness, possibility for the interaction between our young researchers and their international partners, gaining expertise, skills and knowledge form the relevant fileds of science…
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
