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  Lai, Y.H.; Shao, P.W.; Kuo, C.Y.; Liu, C.E.; Hu, Z.; Luo, C.; Chen, K.; Radu, F.; Wang, Y.J.; Zheng, J.; Duan, C.; Chang, C.F.; Chang, L.; Chen, Y.C.; Cheong, S.W.; Chu, Y.H.: Quasi-static modulation of multiferroic properties in flexible magnetoelectric Cr₂O₃/muscovite heteroepitaxy. Acta Materialia 243 (2023), p. 118509/1-8

10.1016/j.actamat.2022.118509

Abstract:
Due to the strong coupling between electrical polarization and magnetization, magnetoelectric materials show promising features for low-power spintronics and ultra-sensitive magnetic sensors. Compared to the conventional tunning of magnetoelectricity, this work presents a modulation of magnetic and electric orders in magnetoelectric material through a quasi-static mechanical strain. To acquire this, linear magnetoelectric Cr2O3 film is fabricated epitaxially on muscovite substrates. Taking the natural flexibility of muscovite, applying a strain to the heterostructure is feasible via mechanical bending. In the bending experiment, the magnetization of Cr2O3 film can be enhanced significantly, and the techniques of X-ray absorption dichroism unveil insights with support from theoretical predictions. Besides, the electric polarization and magnetoelectric coupling of Cr2O3 can also be adjusted by mechanical bending. This work offers a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between quasi-static strain and magnetic and electrical behaviors and opens a new aspect of the combination between magnetoelectric materials and flexible substrates for future development.