Enhanced magnetization in the multiferroic nanocomposites Bi$_{0.9}$Gd$_{0.1}$Fe$_{0.9}$Mn$_{0.05}$X$_{0.05}$O$_3$ (X= Cr, Co) thin films

TL;DR

This study develops and characterizes multiferroic nanocomposite thin films, demonstrating enhanced magnetization and ferroelectric properties through the incorporation of transition metals, with potential applications in multifunctional devices.

Contribution

It introduces a new nanocomposite thin film with improved magnetic and ferroelectric properties by adding transition metals to a multiferroic matrix, showing enhanced room-temperature magnetization.

Findings

Increased macroscopic magnetization at room temperature.

Observation of spin glass behavior in magnetic measurements.

Confirmation of ferroelectric domain switching via PFM.

Abstract

In this work we elaborated and characterized nanocomposite thin films using a preselected multiferroic matrix Bi$_{0.9}$Gd$_{0.1}$Fe$_{0.9}$Mn$_{0.1}$O$_3$ (BGFMO) in the aim to enhance their basic ferroelectric and magnetic properties. The local ferroelectric character of these nanocomposites thin films was investigated by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). Switching behavior for ferroelectric domains was probed by locally manipulating domains. The magnetic investigation showed that the incorporation of transition metal elements in the BGFMO matrix brings out interesting increase in the macroscopic magnetisation at room temperature. Moreover, a spin glass type behavior is observed in M(T) curves for the studied thin films.