ABSTRACT
Abstract Elastically coupled magneto-electric (ME) elements were constructed and their fundamental properties were studied, so as to examine whether the elements exhibit considerable ME effect at room temperature. The elements had a hybrid structure, in which thin soft glass substrates with highly magnetostrictive amorphous FeCoSiB films were bonded on PZT piezoelectric substrates. When a dc voltage was applied to the element, large change in magnetic properties of the FeCoSiB film were observed: for example, by applying a dc voltage from -200V to +200V, changes in magnetic permeability of the film reached about 1680%. It was also demonstrated that high frequency impedance of the element was subject to change with a dc voltage. These unique characteristics of the present ME elements are considered to be very attractive for constructing smart actuators with a sensing function.
