Nonzero electric polarization and four magnetoelectric states at zero magnetic field in Cr-doped Y-type hexaferrite.

We report here an enhanced magnetoelectric effect in a Y-type hexaferrite Ba_0.5Sr_1.5Zn₂Fe₁₂O₂₂ with Fe³⁺ ions partially substituted by magnetic Cr³⁺ ions (i.e., BSZFCO). The direct magnetoelectric effect is persistent up to 250 K, with the maximal susceptibility of ~1309 ps/m at 75 K. More importantly, the pronounced non-zero electric polarization at zero magnetic field and four magnetoelectric states induced by different initial poling fields make it quite unique to serve in a magnetoelectric device. The stability of the direct (inverse) magnetoelectric effect is confirmed by the nonvolatile behavior in response to the cyclically sweeping magnetic (electric) fields. Our studies provide an insight into the nontrivial properties of BSZFCO, which are promising for multiferroic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]