Interface/surface magnetoelectric effects: New routes to the electric field control of magnetism

In this perspective paper, we discuss possible ways to control magnetism using electric-field. Special focus is given to interface/surface magnetoelectric effects, which will become important when the thickness of magnetic films drops to nanoscale. We show that significantly different mechanisms may lead to interface/surface magnetoelectric effects, providing great flexibility to apply such effects. As a result, we propose several protype devices utilizing these novel magnetoelectric effects, and strongly advocate experimental endeavors to realize such devices.