Significant Non-Bias-Field Magnetoelectric Response and High Output Power in a Novel Combination Based on Terfenol-D and Electrets

A new magnetoelectric (ME) sensing combination based on a magnetostrictive Terfenol-D rod and electret membrane has been proposed. AC signal and dc bias magnetic field dependences of the induced ac voltage were investigated using the traditional dynamic ME measurement. The results show that the induced ac voltage is strongly dependent on the applied ac signal and dc bias magnetic field. A significant ME response with high sensitivity and high tunability was obtained, and the optimized ME voltage output with high output power is observed for a zero bias dc magnetic field. The minimum limit of detection and maximum dc bias field tunability are 0.056 mA (or 5.27 × 10^-7 T) and 98.42%, respectively. In addition, both the induced ac voltage and output power are strongly dependent on the frequency of the driving ac signal magnetic field. A wide working frequency range and high energy conversion efficiency are observed with this combination. These findings not only provide insight into the dynamic measurement of ME response beyond ME materials but also provide a new type of sensing combination, possessing potential application in ME sensors, energy converters, switches, and magnetic detectors.