M Gich et al 2006 Nanotechnology 17 687 doi:10.1088/0957-4484/17/3/012
M Gich1, C Frontera1, A Roig1, J Fontcuberta1, E Molins1, N Bellido2, Ch Simon2 and C Fleta3
Show affiliationsNanoparticles of the ferrimagnetic ε-Fe2O3 oxide have been synthesized by the sol–gel method. Here we report on the measurement of the dielectric permittivity as a function of temperature, frequency and magnetic field. It is found that, coinciding with the transition from collinear ferrimagnetic ordering to an incommensurate magnetic state occurring at about 100 K, there is an abrupt change (about 30%) of permittivity, suggesting the existence of magnetoelectric coupling in this material. Indeed, magnetic field-dependent measurements at 100 K have revealed an increase in the permittivity of about 0.3% in 6 T. Possible advantages of ε-Fe2O3 as a magnetoelectric material are discussed.
75.80.+q Magnetomechanical and magnetoelectric effects, magnetostriction
75.50.Tt Fine-particle systems; nanocrystalline materials
75.30.Kz Magnetic phase boundaries (including magnetic transitions, metamagnetism, etc.)
75.75.+a Magnetic properties of nanostructures
Issue 3 (14 February 2006)
Received 24 August 2005, in final form 24 November 2005
Published 6 January 2006
M Gich et al 2006 Nanotechnology 17 687
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