Dynamic Magnetoelectric Effects in Bulk and Layered composites of Cobalt Zinc Ferrite and Lead Zirconate Titanate

Abstract

Low frequency magnetoelectric (ME) coupling has been investigated in bulk and multilayers of cobalt zinc ferrite, Co1-xZnxFe2O4 (x=0-0.6), and lead zirconate titanate. In bulk samples, the transverse and longitudinal couplings are weak and are of equal magnitude. A substantial strengthening of ME interactions is evident in layered structures, with the ME voltage coefficient a factor of 10-30 higher than in bulk samples. Important findings of the studies in layered composites are as follows. (i) The transverse coupling is stronger than the longitudinal coupling. (ii) The strength of ME interactions is dependent on Zn substitution with a maximum for x=0.4. (iii) Analysis of volume and static magnetic field dependence of ME voltage coefficients reveal a weak coupling at the ferromagnetic-piezoelectric interface. (iv) The interface coupling k increases with Zn substitution and k versus x profile shows a maximum centered at x=0.4. (iv) The Zn-assisted enhancement is attributed to efficient magneto-mechanical coupling in the ferrite.