Magnetocapacitance in Nonmagnetic Composite Media

The dielectric response in a magnetic field is routinely used to probe the existence of coupled magnetic and elastic order in the multiferroics. However, here we demonstrate that magnetism is not necessary to produce a magnetocapacitance when the material is inhomogeneous. By considering a two-dimensional, two-component composite medium, we find a characteristic dielectric resonance that depends on magnetic field. We propose this as a possible signature of inhomogeneities and we argue that this behavior has already been observed in nanoporous silicon and some manganites.