Role of strain and nanoscale defects in modifying the multiferroicity in nanostructured BiFeO3 films

Abstract

BiFeO3 (BFO) multifunctional oxide exhibits fascinating multiferroic properties suitable for potential application in nanoscale electronic devices such as non-volatile random accesses memory (FeRAM), field effect transistors, capacitors, logic circuits, etc. In this communication, we report the results of studies on 200 MeV Ag+15 ion irradiation-induced modifications in the structural, microstructural, electrical (I–V, C–V and P–E) and magnetic properties of pulsed laser deposited nanostructured BFO films grown on conducting SrTi0.998O0.002TiO3 (SNTO) substrates. Role of nanoscale structural defects and oxygen vacancies in modifying the physical properties of BFO/SNTO has been discussed in this work.