ABSTRACT
Multiferroics are special class of materials in which at least two of the ferroic states such as magnetic, electric, or piezoelastic phases coexist [1–3]. Technologically, they are important materials because the coupling between the ferrophases and the piezoelastic properties facilitates a direct control of ferromagnetic (FM) and ferroelectric (FE) properties via externally mechanical stress. Alternately, external magnetic/electric fields can cause shape change due to induced mechanical stress. Coupling between various ferroic domains of a true multiferroic system is shown in Figure 15.1. Recently, a significant research is devoted on multiferroics, with coupling across magnetic and electric order parameters, called magnetoelectric (ME) materials. In fact, the coupling between magnetism and the motion charges was recognized in the nineteenth century, which was later combined into a common discipline with the culminating Maxwell equations. However, the long range ordering of electrical and magnetic dipoles in a solid was considered to be different, because displacement of ions and electrons are responsible for electric dipoles; on the other hand, electron spins govern magnetic properties. Concept of multiferroics and possible cross-couplings in multiferroics. H—magnetic field; M—magnetization; E—electric field; P—electric polarization; σ—applied mechanical stress; and ε—strain. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315371054/19a59aa6-1bb4-4d28-94c7-9f8cac6f3585/content/fig15_1_C.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>
