Electrode position optimization in magnetoelectric sensors based on magnetostrictive-piezoelectric bilayers on cantilever substrates

Finite element method (FEM) simulations are performed to investigate the sensitivity to dc magnetic fields of magnetoelectric sensors on cantilever substrates with trenches or weights at different positions. For a simple layered cantilever, a 15% higher signal voltage across the piezoelectric layer is obtained for optimally positioned electrodes and an insulating magnetostrictive material. A further 25% increase in the signal voltage is achieved for a trenched cantilever design with a pick-up region.