Electrically controlled magnetization switching in CoFe2O4/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 heterostructure

• The magnetization reversal in CoFe2O4/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 heterostructure can be realized at room temperature, which opens new avenues for application.
• The in situ manipulation of magnetization is observed in CFO films by magnetic force microscopy images.
• The dramatic change in M–H loops and MFM images suggest that there exists large magnetoelectric effect in CFO/PMN–PT heterostructure.

CoFe2O4 (CFO) films with different thicknesses are grown on (001) Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3(PMN–PT) substrate using pulsed laser deposition. The manipulation of magnetization is observed in CFO films by magnetic force microscopy (MFM) images and magnetization measurement with an electric field applying on the piezoelectric substrate. Taking advantage of the change in coercivity induced by the electric field, the magnetization reversal is realized in this heterostructure at room temperature. The mechanism and potential applications for electric control of magnetism in CFO/PMN–PT layered films are discussed.