MATERIALS SCIENCE: Multiferroics as Quantum Electromagnets

Successive magnetic phase transitions and multiferroicity in the spin-one triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Ba3NiNb2O9

We report the magnetic and electric properties of Ba3NiNb2O9, which is a quasi-two-dimensional spin-one triangular-lattice antiferromagnet with trigonal structure. At low T and with increasing magnetic field, the system evolves from a 120 degree magnetic ordering phase (A phase) to an up-up-down (uud) phase (B phase) with a change of slope at 1/3 of the saturation magnetization, and then to an "oblique" phase (C phase). Accordingly, the ferroelectricity switches on at each phase boundary with appearance of spontaneous polarization. Therefore, Ba3NiNb2O9 is a unique triangular-lattice antiferromagnet exhibiting both uud phase and multiferroicity.

Employment of methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime in 3d/4f-metal chemistry: dinuclear nickel(II)/lanthanide(III) species and complexes containing the metals in separate ions

The use of methyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime (mpkoH) for the synthesis of Ni(II)/Ln(III) (Ln = lanthanide) complexes, using "one-pot" reactions in the absence of an external base, is described. Depending on the reaction and crystallization conditions employed, two families of complexes have been obtained. The first family consists of true heterometallic species and involves complexes [NiLn(mpko)(3)(mpkoH)(3)](ClO(4))(2), where Ln = Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho and Er. The second family contains the pseudo heterometallic complexes [Ni(mpkoH)(3)](2)[Ln(NO(3))(6)](ClO(4)), where Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd and Sm. The crystal structures of [NiCe(mpko)(3)(mpkoH)(3)](ClO(4))(2) (1), [NiDy(mpko)(3)(mpkoH)(3)](ClO(4))(2) (8) and [Ni(mpkoH)(3)](2)[La(NO(3))(6)](ClO(4)) (11) have been determined by single-crystal, X-ray crystallography. Complexes 1·1.2MeOH·0.6H(2)O and 8·1.2MeOH·0.6H(2)O crystallise in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/a and are isomorphous; there are two crystallographically independent cations in the unit cell, but their interatomic distances and angles differ little. The Ni(II) and Ln(III) ions are bridged by three oximate groups belonging to the η(1):η(1):η(1):μ mpko(-) ligands. The Ni(II) centre is octahedrally coordinated by the six nitrogen atoms of the mpko(-) ligands in a facial arrangement. The Ln(III) centre is bound to an (O(oximate))(3)N(6) set of donor atoms, the nitrogen atoms belonging to the three N,N'-bidentate chelating mpkoH ligands. The stereochemistry of the Ln(III) atoms has been evaluated by means of continuous shape measures (CShM). The two crystallographically independent Ce(III) atoms in 1 have tricapped trigonal prismatic and capped square antiprismatic coordination geometries, while the polyhedra of the Dy(III) atoms in 8 are both close to a tricapped trigonal prism. The octahedral Ni(II) atoms in 11 are both facially bound to a N(6) set of donor atoms from three N,N'-bidentate chelating mpkoH ligands, while the 12-coordinate La(III) centre in [La(NO(3))(6)](3-) is coordinated by six bidentate chelating nitrato groups. Variable-temperature, solid state dc magnetic susceptibility studies were carried out on complexes 2, 6, 7 and 8. The dc susceptibility data for 6 in the 2.0-300 K range have been fit to a model with one J value, revealing an antiferromagnetic Ni(II)···Gd(III) exchange interaction [J = -1.1 cm(-1) based on H = -J (Ŝ(Ni)·Ŝ(Gd))]. Antiferromagnetic Ni(II)···Pr(III), Ni(II)···Tb(III) and Ni(II)···Dy(III) exchange interactions have also been suggested for 2, 7 and 8, respectively. The combined work demonstrates the usefulness of mpko(-) in the preparation of interesting Ni(II)/Ln(III) compounds, without requiring the presence of external base and ancillary organic ligands.

Origin of the large polarization in multiferroic YMnO3 thin films revealed by soft- and hard-X-ray diffraction

We investigated the magnetic structure of an orthorhombic YMnO(3) thin film by resonant soft x-ray and hard x-ray diffraction. We observed a temperature-dependent incommensurate magnetic reflection below 45 K and a commensurate lattice-distortion reflection below 35 K. These results demonstrate that the ground state is composed of coexisting E-type and cycloidal states. Their different ordering temperatures clarify the origin of the large polarization to be caused by the E-type antiferromagnetic states in the orthorhombic YMnO(3) thin film.

Electric control of magnetism at room temperature

In the single-phase multiferroics, the coupling between electric polarization (P) and magnetization (M) would enable the magnetoelectric (ME) effect, namely M induced and modulated by E, and conversely P by H. Especially, the manipulation of magnetization by an electric field at room-temperature is of great importance in technological applications, such as new information storage technology, four-state logic device, magnetoelectric sensors, low-power magnetoelectric device and so on. Furthermore, it can reduce power consumption and realize device miniaturization, which is very useful for the practical applications. In an M-type hexaferrite SrCo₂Ti₂Fe₈O₁₉, large magnetization and electric polarization were observed simultaneously at room-temperature. Moreover, large effect of electric field-controlled magnetization was observed even without magnetic bias field. These results illuminate a promising potential to apply in magnetoelectric devices at room temperature and imply plentiful physics behind them.

Prediction of the magnetotoroidic effect from atomistic simulations

An effective Hamiltonian technique is used to investigate the effect of applying curled electric fields on physical properties of stress-free BiFeO(3) dots being under open-circuit electrical boundary conditions. It is discovered that such fields can lead to a control of not only the magnitude but also the direction of the magnetization. Such control originates from the field-induced transformation or switching of electrical vortices and their couplings with oxygen octahedral tilts and magnetic dipoles. This control involves striking intermediate states and constitutes a novel phenomenon that can be termed a "magnetotoroidic" effect.

Ferroelectric and Magnetic Properties of Hot-Pressed BiFeO3-PVDF Composite Films

The ferroelectric and magnetic properties of hot-pressed BiFeO3- (BFO) polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite films have been studied. The BiFeO3 (BFO) ceramics have been synthesized by a rapid liquid phase sintering technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that the impure phase observed in pure BFO ceramics was significantly reduced in the composite films. The presence of both ferroelectric and magnetic hysteresis loops confirms the multiferroic nature of the composite films at room temperature. A well-saturated ferroelectric hysteresis loop with a remanent polarization (Pr)∼4.8 μC-cm-2 and coercive field (Ec)∼1.55 kV/cm has been observed in composite thin films at room temperature. The magnetic hysteresis loops were traced at room temperature with SQUID. The remanent magnetization (Mr)∼3.0×10−3 emu/gm and coercive field (Hc)∼0.99 kOe was observed in the composite film. The magnetic polarization of the composite films has found to be enhanced as compared to pure BFO and correlated to reduction in BFO impure peak intensity.

Magnetic and magnetoelectric excitations in multiferroic manganites

We review the recent experimental findings concerning the magnetic and magnetoelectric excitations in multiferroic manganites with special focus on orthorhombic RMnO(3) (R = rare earth). The dynamics of these materials has attracted special attention recently due to the existence of novel magnetoelectric excitations which were termed electromagnons. In addition to the strong electric activity of the electromagnons, a series of other excitations of magnetic and magnetoelectric nature is observed in the same frequency range as the electromagnons. We summarize the systematics of the existing modes and the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

Stability of the spontaneous quantum Hall state in the triangular Kondo-lattice model

We study the behavior of the quarter-filled Kondo-lattice model on a triangular lattice by combining a zero-temperature variational approach and finite-temperature Monte Carlo simulations. For intermediate coupling between itinerant electrons and classical moments S(j), we find a thermodynamic phase transition into an exotic spin ordering with uniform scalar spin chirality and (S(j))=0. The state exhibits a spontaneous quantum Hall effect. We also study how its properties are affected by the application of an external magnetic field.

Ferroelectricity induced by spin-dependent metal-ligand hybridization in Ba₂CoGe₂O₇

We have investigated the variation of induced ferroelectric polarization under a magnetic field with various directions and magnitudes in a staggered antiferromagnet Ba₂CoGe₂O₇. While the ferroelectric polarization cannot be explained by the well-accepted spin current model nor the exchange striction mechanism, we have shown that it is induced by the spin-dependent p-d hybridization between the transition metal (Co) and ligand (O) via the spin-orbit interaction. On the basis of the correspondence between the direction of electric polarization and the magnetic state, we have also demonstrated the electrical control of the magnetization direction.

Polarization in a Rashba strip coupled with a spiral spin density wave

The magnetoelectric effect in a Rashba strip is studied, which is coupled to a spiral spin density wave (SDW). The polarization, if it can be induced, must be perpendicular to the plane constructed by the helix axis and the wavevector of the SDW. With a gate voltage on the strip varied, the polarization fluctuates quickly and can be switched from a positive to a negative value or vice versa. Furthermore, reversing either the helix axis or the wavevector leads to the reversal of polarization. The main contributions to the polarization come from the eigenstates in the vicinity of the von Hove singularities. At half-filling, contributions from different eigenstates offset each other exactly. With the Rashba spin-orbit coupling increased, the averaged polarization displays an oscillatory behavior due to the spin precession, whereas with the exchange coupling increased, the averaged polarization increases first then decreases. Considering the size effect on the polarization, the spin precession length is an important characteristic length.

Theory of electromagnons in the multiferroic Mn perovskites: the vital role of higher harmonic components of the spiral spin order

We study theoretically the electromagnon and its optical spectrum (OS) of the terahertz-frequency regime in the magnetic-spiral-induced multiferroic phases of the rare-earth-metal (R) Mn perovskites, RMnO3, taking into account the spin-angle modulation or the higher harmonics of the spiral spin configuration, which has been missed so far. A realistic spin Hamiltonian, which gives phase diagrams in agreement with experiments, resolves a puzzle, i.e., the double-peak structure of the OS with a larger low-energy peak originating from magnon modes hybridized with the zone-edge state. We also predict the magnon branches associated with the electromagnon, which can be tested by neutron-scattering experiment.

Evidence for electroactive excitation of the spin cycloid in TbMnO3

Terahertz electromagnetic excitations in the multiferroic TbMnO3 single crystals are investigated across the magnetic field induced rotation of the magnetic spin cycloid. In addition to the electromagnon along the a axis, the detailed polarization analysis of the experimental spectra suggests the existence of an electroactive excitation for ac electric fields of the electromagnetic wave along the crystallographic c axis. This excitation is possibly the electroactive eigenmode of the spin-cycloid in TbMnO3, which has been predicted within the inverse Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya mechanism of magnetoelectric coupling.

Magnetic digital flop of ferroelectric domain with fixed spin chirality in a triangular lattice helimagnet

The ferroelectric properties in a magnetic field (H) of varying magnitude and direction have been investigated for the triangular-lattice helimagnet CuFe(1-x)Ga(x)O(2) (x = 0.035). The in-plane H was found to induce the rearrangement of six possible multiferroic domains. Upon every 60 degrees rotation of in-plane H around the c axis, a unique 120 degrees flop of electric polarization occurs as a result of the switch of the helical magnetic q vector. The chirality of the spin helix is always conserved upon the q flop. The possible origin is discussed in light of the stable structure of the multiferroic domain wall.

Electric-field switching of a magnetic propagation vector in a helimagnet

We report novel magnetoelectric properties of a quantum-spin helimagnet Ba2CuGe2O7 with a noncentrosymmetric (but nonpolar) crystal structure. It was found that the spin helicity of the cycloidal spin order is always fixed to the lattice, therefore the magnetic propagation vector k determines the sign of electric polarization in Ba2CuGe2O7. Consequently, not only the magnetic-field drive of the ferroelectric domain but also the electric-field switching of magnetic k vector can be achieved.

Observation of a multiferroic critical end point

The study of abrupt increases in magnetization with magnetic field known as metamagnetic transitions has opened a rich vein of new physics in itinerant electron systems, including the discovery of quantum critical end points with a marked propensity to develop new kinds of order. However, the electric analogue of the metamagnetic critical end point, a "metaelectric" critical end point, has been rarely studied. Multiferroic materials wherein magnetism and ferroelectricity are cross-coupled are ideal candidates for the exploration of this novel possibility using magnetic-field (H) as a tuning parameter. Herein, we report the discovery of a magnetic-field-induced metaelectric transition in multiferroic BiMn(2)O(5), in which the electric polarization (P) switches polarity along with a concomitant Mn spin-flop transition at a critical magnetic field H(c). The simultaneous metaelectric and spin-flop transitions become sharper upon cooling but remain a continuous cross-over even down to 0.5 K. Near the P = 0 line realized at mu(0)H(c) approximately 18 T below 20 K, the dielectric constant (epsilon) increases significantly over wide field and temperature (T) ranges. Furthermore, a characteristic power-law behavior is found in the P(H) and epsilon(H) curves at T = 0.66 K. These findings indicate that a magnetic-field-induced metaelectric critical end point is realized in BiMn(2)O(5) near zero temperature.

Epitaxial TbMnO(3) thin films on SrTiO(3) substrates: a structural study

TbMnO(3) films have been grown under compressive strain on (001)-oriented SrTiO(3) crystals. They have an orthorhombic structure and display the (001) orientation. With increasing thickness, the structure evolves from a more symmetric (tetragonal) to a less symmetric (bulk-like orthorhombic) structure, while keeping constant the in-plane compression, thereby leaving the out-of-plane lattice spacing unchanged. The domain microstructure of the films is also revealed, showing an increasing number of orthorhombic domains as the thickness is decreased: we directly observe ferroelastic domains as narrow as 4 nm. The high density of domain walls may explain the induced ferromagnetism observed in the films, while both the decreased anisotropy and the small size of the domains could account for the absence of a ferroelectric spin spiral phase.

Magnetic and magnetoelectric excitations in TbMnO3

Magnetic and magnetoelectric excitations in the multiferroic TbMnO3 have been investigated at terahertz frequencies. Using different experimental geometries we can clearly separate the electroactive excitations (electromagnons) from the magnetoactive modes, i.e., antiferromagnetic resonances. Two antiferromagnetic resonances were found to coincide with electromagnons. This indicates that both excitations belong to the same mode and the electromagnons can be excited by a magnetic ac field as well. In spite of the 90 degrees rotation of the magnetic cycloid in external magnetic fields, the electromagnons are observable for electric ac fields parallel to the a axis only.

Ferroelectric-paraelectric transition in BiFeO3: crystal structure of the orthorhombic beta phase

A detailed investigation using variable temperature powder neutron diffraction demonstrates that BiFeO3 undergoes a phase transition from the ferroelectric alpha phase (rhombohedral, R3c) to a paraelectric beta phase (orthorhombic, Pbnm) between 820 degrees C and 830 degrees C. Coexistence of both phases over a finite temperature interval, together with abrupt changes in key structural parameters, confirms that the transition is first order. The beta phase corresponds to a GdFeO3-type perovskite structure.

Rotation of an electric polarization vector by rotating magnetic field in cycloidal magnet Eu0.55Y0.45MnO3

To clarify the microscopic origin of the gigantic magnetoelectric effect in multiferroics, we have investigated the variation of an electric polarization (P) vector under a rotating magnetic field (H) for a cycloidal helimagnet Eu0.55Y0.45MnO3 as a canonical example. P rotates smoothly by rotating H around the magnetic propagation wave vector k, which can be well understood by the rotation of the conical spin structure around k. We also show that the rotation process of the conical spin structure under H is crucial for the retention or reversal of the spin helicity or equivalently of the direction of P.

Evidence for an electric-dipole active continuum band of spin excitations in multiferroic TbMnO3

The wide range optical spectra on a multiferroic prototype TbMnO3 have been investigated to clarify the origin of spin excitations observed in the far-infrared region. We elucidate the full band structure, whose high energy edge (133 cm;{-1}) exactly corresponds to twice of the highest-lying magnon energy. Thus the origin of this absorption band is clearly assigned to two-magnon excitation driven by the electric field of light. There is an overlap between the two-magnon and phonon energy ranges, where the strong coupling between them is manifested by the frequency shift and transfer of oscillator strength of the phonon mode.

Quantum theory of multiferroic helimagnets: collinear and helical phases

We study the quantum fluctuation in the cycloidal helical magnet in terms of the Schwinger boson approach. In sharp contrast to the classical fluctuation, the quantum fluctuation is collinear in nature which gives rise to the collinear spin density wave state slightly above the helical cycloidal state as the temperature is lowered. Physical properties such as the reduced elliptic ratio of the spiral, the neutron scattering and infrared absorption spectra are discussed from this viewpoint with the possible relevance to the quasi-one dimensional LiCu2O2 and LiCuVO4.

Magnetization vector manipulation by electric fields

Conventional semiconductor devices use electric fields to control conductivity, a scalar quantity, for information processing. In magnetic materials, the direction of magnetization, a vector quantity, is of fundamental importance. In magnetic data storage, magnetization is manipulated with a current-generated magnetic field (Oersted-Ampère field), and spin current is being studied for use in non-volatile magnetic memories. To make control of magnetization fully compatible with semiconductor devices, it is highly desirable to control magnetization using electric fields. Conventionally, this is achieved by means of magnetostriction produced by mechanically generated strain through the use of piezoelectricity. Multiferroics have been widely studied in an alternative approach where ferroelectricity is combined with ferromagnetism. Magnetic-field control of electric polarization has been reported in these multiferroics using the magnetoelectric effect, but the inverse effect-direct electrical control of magnetization-has not so far been observed. Here we show that the manipulation of magnetization can be achieved solely by electric fields in a ferromagnetic semiconductor, (Ga,Mn)As. The magnetic anisotropy, which determines the magnetization direction, depends on the charge carrier (hole) concentration in (Ga,Mn)As. By applying an electric field using a metal-insulator-semiconductor structure, the hole concentration and, thereby, the magnetic anisotropy can be controlled, allowing manipulation of the magnetization direction.

Cycloidal spin order in the a-axis polarized ferroelectric phase of orthorhombic perovskite manganite

The ferroelectric state in an orthorhombic perovskite RMnO3 (R=Gd0.7Tb0.3) was proved by neutron scattering studies to show the cycloidal spin state with the ab-spiral plane and the spin-helicity dependent polarization vector along the a axis, sharing the microscopic origin (inverse Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction) with the more widely observed P||c state (e.g., for R=Tb and Dy) with the bc-spiral plane. The magnetic-field induced polarization flop from P||c to P||a as well known for RMnO3 is thus assigned to the orthogonal flop of the spin spiral plane from bc to ab.

Spin-driven ferroelectricity in triangular lattice antiferromagnets ACrO2 (A=Cu, Ag, Li, or Na)

The correlation between the dielectric and magnetic properties is investigated on the triangular-lattice antiferromagnets ACrO2 (A=Cu, Ag, Li, or Na) with a 120-degree spiral structure. For the A=Cu and Ag compounds with a delafossite structure, the ferroelectric polarization emerges with a spiral-spin order, implying strong coupling between ferroelectricity and the spiral-spin structure. For the A=Li and Na compounds with an ordered rock salt structure, on the other hand, no spontaneous polarization is discerned, while the clear anomaly in the dielectric constant can be observed upon the transition to the spiral-spin ordered state. This feature can be ascribed to the possible antiferroelectric state induced by the alternate stacking of the Cr-spin sheet with opposite vector spin chirality.

Correlation between spin helicity and an electric polarization vector in quantum-spin chain magnet LiCu2O2

Measurements of polarized neutron scattering were performed on a S=1/2 chain multiferroic LiCu2O2. In the ferroelectric ground state with the spontaneous polarization along the c axis, the existence of transverse spiral spin component in the bc plane was confirmed. When the direction of electric polarization is reversed, the vector spin chirality as defined by C_(ij)=S_(i)xS_(j) (i and j being the neighboring spin sites) is observed to be reversed, indicating that the spin-current model or the inverse Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya mechanism is applicable even to this e_(g)-electron quantum-spin system. Differential scattering intensity of polarized neutrons shows a large discrepancy from that expected for the classical-spin bc-cycloidal structure, implying the effect of large quantum fluctuation.

Microscopic origin of magnetoelectric coupling in noncollinear multiferroics

An universal microscopic mechanism to understand the interplay between the electric and magnetic degrees of freedom in noncollinear multiferroics is developed. In a system with a strong spin-orbit coupling, we show that there is a pure electric mechanism that the ferroelectricity is generated by noncollinear magnetism through an electric current cancellation process, which saves the pure electric energy. This mechanism provides a simple estimation and sets a physical limitation of the value of ferroelectricity in noncollinear multiferroic materials.

Manipulating the magnetic structure with electric fields in multiferroic ErMn2O5

Based on measurements of soft x-ray magnetic diffraction under in situ applied electric field, we report on significant manipulation and exciting of commensurate magnetic order in multiferroic ErMn2O5. The induced magnetic scattering intensity arises at the commensurate magnetic Bragg position whereas the initial magnetic signal almost persists. We demonstrate the possibility to imprint a magnetic response function in ErMn2O5 by applying an electric field.

Optical magnetoelectric effect of patterned oxide superlattices with ferromagnetic interfaces

Nonreciprocal directional dichroism, termed the optical magnetoelectric (OME) effect, has been observed in patterned superlattice (SL) composed of perovskite oxides, LaMnO3, SrMnO3, and LaAlO3. Such a tricolor SL with ferromagnetic interfaces is expected to artificially break both space-inversion and time-reversal symmetries and hence to show the OME effect. The Bragg diffraction from the grating structure with a period of 4 microm fabricated on the SL was employed to sensitively detect the OME effect, yielding the relative change of the diffracted light intensity (~0.2%-0.5%) upon a reversal of either the in-plane magnetization or the propagation vector of the diffracted light.

Electric control of spin helicity in a magnetic ferroelectric

Magnetic ferroelectrics or multiferroics, which are currently extensively explored, may provide a good arena to realize a novel magnetoelectric function. Here we demonstrate the genuine electric control of the spiral magnetic structure in one such magnetic ferroelectric, TbMnO3. A spin-polarized neutron scattering experiment clearly shows that the spin helicity, clockwise or counterclockwise, is controlled by the direction of spontaneous polarization and hence by the polarity of the small electric field applied on cooling.