Fyzikální ústav Akademie věd ČR

Magnetoelectric multiferroics are materials, which exhibit simultaneously magnetic and ferroelectric order. There is theoretically possible to influence magnetic or ferroelectric domains with electric or magnetic fields, respectively, therefore these materials are intensively studied for their promising potential applications in non-volatile memories. Unfortunately, there are only few multiferroics in nature and most of them work only at low temperatures. We suggested to use large mechanical strain in ultrathin films for preparation of new „artificial“ multiferroics.

A new series of new multifunctional materials with the azo-group in the molecular core has been prepared, which exhibit ferroelectric properties and are photosensitive. With these materials (known as photoferroelectrics) the illumination by visible light can change their electric and optical properties. After the light is switched off their properties are restored to the original state. Such materials offer a series of applications in optoelectronics or photonics.  The full text >>