Unravelling magnetic-ion-induced electric polarization in doped M-type hexaferrites

The control of magnetism using applied electric fields offer the possibility of a new generation of ultra-low power, high density storage. In this respect, magnetoelectric (ME) multiferroic materials are intensely studied in order to understand how different symmetry breaking orders exist in the same material and how these orders can be coupled. Among the few room temperature single-phase ME multiferroics reported, hexaferrites show potential for device applications as they exhibit a low field ME effect at room temperature. Using a combination of techniques (SXRD, VSM, dielectric response) you will investigate doped M-type hexaferrites to (a) elucidate the B-field dependent conical phases of the material, (b) correlate the magnetic structure with M-H and P-E measurements, (c) understand how sensitive these properties are to the proportion of Co-Ti doping in the unit cell and (d) confirm if the zero field electrical polarization is spin induced or due to a structural site instability.

This project will be based jointly between the University of York and Diamond Light Source

Academic entry requirements: at least a class 2:1 MSc or MPhys degree in Physics