Phase-field model of multiferroic composites: Domain structures of ferroelectric particles embedded in a ferromagnetic matrix

Abstract

The ferroelectric domain structures in 1-3 type bulk magnetoelectric composites were studied using the phase-field method. The ferroelectric polarization distributions in triangle, square, circle, and other polygons-shaped rods embedded in a ferromagnetic matrix were obtained. The influences of ferroelectric particle size and symmetry and the surrounding magnetic phase medium on the stability of double vortex structures are discussed.

Keywords:

• multiferroic composite
• magnetoelectric composite
• vortex structure
• phase-field method

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the financial support by the National Science Foundation under the grant number DMR-0507146 and DMR-0820404.