Topological domain states and magnetoelectric properties in multiferroic nanostructures. Issue 4 (26th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tian, Guo; Yang, Wenda; Chen, Deyang; Fan, Zhen; Hou, Zhipeng; Alexe, Marin; Gao, Xingsen
• Is Part Of: National science review. Volume 6:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 684
• Page End: 702
• Publication Date: 2019-07-26
• Subjects: topological defects -- ferroelectric domains -- multiferroic nanostructures -- magnetoelectric coupling; Science -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwz100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2095-5138

Abstract

Abstract: Multiferroic nanostructures have been attracting tremendous attention over the past decade, due to their rich cross-coupling effects and prospective electronic applications. In particular, the emergence of some exotic phenomena in size-confined multiferroic systems, including topological domain states such as vortices, center domains, and skyrmion bubble domains, has opened a new avenue to a number of intriguing physical properties and functionalities, and thus underpins a wide range of applications in future nanoelectronic devices. It is also highly appreciated that nano-domain engineering provides a pathway to control the magnetoelectric properties, which is promising for future energy-efficient spintronic devices. In recent years, this field, still in its infancy, has witnessed a rapid development and a number of challenges too. In this article, we shall review the recent advances in the emergent domain-related exotic phenomena in multiferroic nanostructures. Specific attention is paid to the topological domain structures and related novel physical behaviors as well as the electric-field-driven magnetic switching via domain engineering. This review will end with a discussion of future challenges and potential directions.