Abstract:
A change in the magnetization of a SmFe$_3$(BO$_3$)$_4$ single crystal in response to an applied alternating electric field has been experimentally observed for the first time. The measurements have demonstrated that the magnetization oscillates not only at a frequency of the applied electric field but also at twice the frequency. The dependences of the magnetoelectric effect on the magnetic and electric fields and temperature have been measured. It has been assumed that the existence of the second harmonic of the magnetoelectric effect is due to the electrostriction.