The fabrication and characterization of an electric field-tunable yttrium iron garnet (YIG)-lead zirconate titanate (PZT) microwave resonator are discussed. The device is based on ferromagnetic resonance for YIG. The tunability is accomplished through magnetoelectric interactions. For an electric field E=10kV∕cm across PZT, a frequency shift of 18–25MHz that was an order of magnitude higher the frequency width of the absorption profile for the resonator was measured. Upon reversal of the direction of E, the shift also reversed. The YIG-PZT bilayer structures could form the basis for rapid, electric field tunable, passive microwave resonators and filters.

The term ‘straintronics’ refers to a new research area in condensed matter physics, in which strain engineering methods and strain-induced physical effects in solids are used to develop next-generation devices for information, sensor, and energy-saving technologies. This paper reviews the basic ideas of straintronics, examines the underlying effects, highlights its advantages over conventional electronics, and identifies the problems it faces and fundamental constraints it is subject to. Special attention is given to the straintronics of magnetic and magnetoelectric materials as the most promising area for radically reducing computational energy consumption. Specific examples are presented of how the principles of straintronics are applied practically in information and energy-saving technologies, as well as in sensor and microwave engineering.

Synthesis and room temperature four-state memory prototype of Sr3Co2Fe24O41 multiferroics Appl. Phys. Lett. 101, 122903 (2012) Modeling of resonant magneto-electric effect in a magnetostrictive and piezoelectric laminate composite structure coupled by a bonding material J. Appl. Phys. 112, 064109 (2012) Multiferroic properties of Aurivillius phase Bi6Fe2−xCoxTi3O18 thin films prepared by a chemical solution deposition route Appl. Phys. Lett. 101, 122402 (2012) Effect of microstructure on the electromagnetic properties of Al18B4O33w/Co and Al18B4O33w/FeCo composite particles Mechanical strain mediated magnetoelectric (ME) effects are studied in bilayers and trilayers of piezoelectric single-crystal lanthanum gallium tantalate (LGT) and magnetostrictive permendur (P). The ME voltage coefficient ranges from 2.3 V/cm Oe at 20 Hz to 720 V/cm Oe at bending resonance and is higher by an order of magnitude than in composites with ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate or lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate. The low-frequency magnetic noise for P-LGT-P is a factor of 2-10 smaller than for ferroelectrics based composites. Langatate is free of ferroelectric hysteresis, pyroelectric effects, and phase transitions up to 1450 C and is of interest for ultrasensitive, high temperature magnetic sensors.

The current surge of interest in multiferroic materials demands specialized measurement techniques to support multiferroics research. In this review article we detail well-established measurement techniques of the magneto-electric coupling coefficient in multiferroic materials, together with newly proposed ones. This work is intended to serve as a reference document for anyone willing to develop experimental measurement techniques of multiferroic materials.