Direct visualization of magnetic‐field‐induced magnetoelectric switching in multiferroic aurivillius phase thin films

Multiferroic materials displaying coupled ferroelectric and ferromagnetic order parameters could provide a means for data storage whereby bits could be written electrically and read magnetically, or vice versa. Thin films of Aurivillius phase Bi₆Ti_2.8Fe_1.52Mn_0.68O₁₈, previously prepared by a chemical solution deposition (CSD) technique, are multiferroics demonstrating magnetoelectric coupling at room temperature. Here, we demonstrate the growth of a similar composition, Bi₆Ti_2.99Fe_1.46Mn_0.55O₁₈, via the liquid injection chemical vapor deposition technique. High‐resolution magnetic measurements reveal a considerably higher in‐plane ferromagnetic signature than CSD grown films (M_S=24.25 emu/g (215 emu/cm³), M_R=9.916 emu/g (81.5 emu/cm³), H_C=170 Oe). A statistical analysis of the results from a thorough microstructural examination of the samples, allows us to conclude that the ferromagnetic signature can be attributed to the Aurivillius phase, with a confidence level of 99.95%. In addition, we report the direct piezoresponse force microscopy visualization of ferroelectric switching while going through a full in‐plane magnetic field cycle, where increased volumes (8.6% to 14% compared with 4% to 7% for the CSD‐grown films) of the film engage in magnetoelectric coupling and demonstrate both irreversible and reversible magnetoelectric domain switching.