Magnetocapacitance in non-magnetic inhomogeneous media

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that inhomogeneous non-magnetic materials can exhibit magnetocapacitance effects due to dielectric resonances influenced by magnetic fields, challenging the notion that magnetism is necessary for such phenomena.

Contribution

It reveals that magnetocapacitance can arise in non-magnetic inhomogeneous media, providing a new perspective on interpreting dielectric responses in composite materials.

Findings

Magnetocapacitance observed in non-magnetic inhomogeneous media.

Dielectric resonance depends on magnetic field in composite materials.

Possible explanation for magnetocapacitance observed in nanoporous silicon and manganites.

Abstract

The dielectric response in a magnetic field is routinely used to probe the existence of coupled magnetic and elastic order in the multiferroics. However, here we demonstrate that magnetism is not necessary to produce a magnetocapacitance when the material is inhomogeneous. By considering a two-dimensional, two-component composite medium, we find a characteristic dielectric resonance that depends on magnetic field. We propose this as a possible signature of inhomogeneities and we argue that this behavior has already been observed in nanoporous silicon and some manganites.