Abstract

Composites (3-0 and 2-0) and multilayers (2-2 geometry) of magnetoelectric multiferroics have recently attracted immense research interest owing to their potential applications like memory/storage devices, FETs, energy harvesters, sensors and transducers. Thin film based multiferroics and magnetoelectrics have special significance because of their direct integration into the device fabrication industry. Hence, a fundamental research in this area along with the fabrication of versatile devices needs a thorough investigation. This review article mainly focuses on the developments of device level works in this particular area in which the discussion of recent patents is highlighted. Generally, thin film magneto electrics and multiferroics show weak magneto electric coupling properties compared to their bulk cousins due to their high substrate clamping. However, some of the recent research developments in thin film based magneto electrics and multiferroics show promising future. In this article, a general patent search in thin films is provided along with a special thrust given to the nanocomposite based multiferroics and magneto electric films.

Keywords: Magnetism, magnetoelectrics, multiferroics, piezoelectrics, spintronics, storage medium.