Giant magnetostriction and nonsaturating electric polarization up to 60 T in the polar magnet $\mathrm{CaBaCo_4O_7}$
Giant magnetostriction in insulating magnetic materials is highly required for applications but is rarely observed. Here we show that giant magnetostriction (> 1500 ppm) can be achieved in an insulating transition metal oxide CaBaCo 4 O 7 where the ferrimagnetic ordering at T c ~ 62K is associated with a huge change in the lattice. Moreover, because this material is pyroelectric with a nonswitchable electric polarization (P), the giant magnetostriction results in a pronounced magnetoelectric effect—a huge change of electric polarization (ΔP ~ 1.6μC/cm 2 ) in response to the applied magnetic field up to 60 T. Geometric frustration as well as the orbital instability of Co 2+ /Co 3+ ions is believed to play a crucial role in the giant magnetostriction. Here our study provides insights on how to achieve both giant magnetostriction and pronounced magnetoelectric effect in insulating transition metal oxides.