Electric-field-controlled frequency tunability enhancement by samarium light doping in PZT/Ni–Zn ferrite/PZT magnetoelectric composites

Electric-field-controlled resonance tuning in tri-layer magnetoelectric laminate consisting of Ni–Zn ferrites (with/without Sm-doped) and PZT plates has been performed and systemically characterized. By applying the DC voltage on PZT plate, modulus of the sample will change in ferrite which is caused by mediated pre-stress from PZT plate, resulting in a resonance shifting without a sacrifice of MEVC decay. For the purpose of tuning range improvement, light doping of samarium was employed in spinel nickel–zinc ferrites to modify frequency responses properties. Experimental results showed that a nearly linear variation of resonance frequency with applied voltage varied from 0 to 6 kV/cm was obtained. Consequently, the resonance frequency can be precisely controlled by the pre-stress generated from DC electric field. In addition, the tunability of resonance frequency exhibits an approximately 3.68 times enhancement by samarium doping in the Ni–Zn ferrites. The pathway for resonance frequency tunable realization by applied DC voltage provides an accurate tuning method for the tunable resonator, which can be deployed extensively in signal generators, phase shifters and other electronic devices.