%0 Journal Article
%K Thin films
%K Characterization
%K Oxide films
%K Multiferroics
%K Ferromagnetism
%K Ferroelectric materials
%K Ferroelectricity
%K Complex oxides
%K Ferroelectric films
%K Interfaces (materials)
%K Strain engineering
%K Functional materials
%K Electrical control
%K Emerging applications
%K In situ characterization
%K Magnetic
%K Synthesis techniques
%A L.W Martin
%A Y.-H Chu
%A Ramamoorthy Ramesh
%B Materials Science and Engineering R: Reports
%D 2010
%G eng
%I Elsevier Ltd
%P 89-133
%R 10.1016/j.mser.2010.03.001
%T Advances in the growth and characterization of magnetic, ferroelectric, and multiferroic oxide thin films
%V 68
%X The growth and characterization of functional oxide thin films that are ferroelectric, magnetic, or both at the same time are reviewed. The evolution of synthesis techniques and how advances in in situ characterization have enabled significant acceleration in improvements to these materials are described. Methods for enhancing the properties of functional materials or creating entirely new functionality at interfaces are covered, including strain engineering and layering control at the atomic-layer level. Emerging applications of these functional oxides such as achieving electrical control of ferromagnetism and the future of these complex functional oxides is discussed. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.