Magnetically driven ferroelectric order in Ni3V2O8

Entropy driven incommensurate structures in the frustrated kagome staircase Co3V2O8

Co3V2O8features spin-3/2 moments arrayed on a kagome staircase lattice. A spin density wave with a continuously evolving propagation vector ofk⃗=(0,δ,0), showing both incommensurate states and multiple commensurate lock-ins, is observed at temperatures above the ferromagnetic ground state. Previous work has suggested that this changing propagation vector could be driven by changes in exchange interactions due to Co atom displacements. We present a straightforward model showing that a Hamiltonian with competing (but temperature independent) interactions can semi-quantitatively reproduce this behavior using a mean field approximation. The simulated spin density wave magnetic structures feature buckled kagome planes that are either ferromagnetically or antiferromagnetically ordered. Propagation vectors that differ fromδ=1/2will have multiple different ways of arranging these ferromagnetic layers that have very similar energies. This classical stacking entropy appears to be crucial in stabilizing the temperature-dependent propagation vector.

Ba4Ni3F14·H2O: a ferrimagnetic compound with a staircase kagomé lattice

A new crystalline fluoride Ba₄Ni₃F₁₄·H₂O was found to exhibit a rare S = 1 staircase kagomé lattice built by Ni²⁺ ions. Magnetic measurements indicate a ferrimagnetic transition at ∼28 K, while 1/3 plateau can be observed from the magnetization curve. We suggest that the hydrogen-bond interactions of O-H⋯F pathways may play an important role for magnetic properties of the system.

Nonabelian Ginzburg-Landau theory for ferroelectrics

The Ginzburg-Landau theory, which was introduced to phenomenologically describe the destruction of superconductivity by a magnetic field at the beginning, has brought up much more knowledge beyond the original one as a mean-field theory of thermodynamics states. There the complex order parameter plays an important role. Here we propose a macroscopic theory to describe the features of ferroelectrics by a two-component complex order parameter coupled to nonabelian gauge potentials that provide more freedom to reflect interplays between different measurables. Within this theoretical framework, some recently discovered empirical static and time-independent phenomena, such as vortex, anti-vortex, spiral orders can be obtained as solutions for different gauge potentials. It is expected to bring in a new angle of view with more elucidation than the traditional one that takes the polarization as order parameter.

Pressure-Induced Structural Behavior of Orthorhombic Mn3(VO4)2: Raman Spectroscopic and X-ray Diffraction Investigations

The effect of high pressure on the structure of orthorhombic Mn₃(VO₄)₂ is investigated using in situ Raman spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction up to high pressures of 26.2 and 23.4 GPa, respectively. The study demonstrates a pressure-induced structural phase transition starting at 10 GPa, with the coexistence of phases in the range of 10-20 GPa. The sluggish first-order phase transition is complete by 20 GPa. Importantly, the new phase could be recovered at ambient conditions. Raman spectra of the recovered new phase indicate increased distortion and as a consequence the lowering of the local symmetry of the VO₄ tetrahedra. This behavior is different from that reported for isostructural compounds Zn₃(VO₄)₂ and Ni₃(VO₄)₂ where both show stable structures, although almost similar anisotropic compression of the unit cell is observed. The transition observed in orthorhombic Mn₃(VO₄)₂ could be due to the internal charge transfer between the cations, which favors the structural transition at lower pressures and the eventual recovery of the new phase even upon pressure release in comparison to other isostructural compounds. The experimental equation of state parameters obtained for orthorhombic Mn₃(VO₄)₂ match excellently with empirically calculated values reported earlier.

Direct Evidence for an Intermediate Multiferroic Phase in LiCuFe2(VO4)3

Magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, dielectric, and electric polarization of LiCuFe₂(VO₄)₃ have been investigated. Two sequential antiferromagnetic transitions at T_N1 ∼ 9.95 K and T_N2 ∼ 8.17 K are observed under zero magnetic field. Although a dielectric peak at T_N1 is clearly identified, the measured pyroelectric current also exhibits a sharp peak at T_N1, implying the magnetically relevant ferroelectricity. Interestingly, another pyroelectric peak around T_N2 with an opposite signal is observed, resulting in the disappearance of electric polarization below T_N2. Besides, the electric polarization is significantly suppressed in response to external magnetic field, evidencing a remarkable magnetoelectric effect. These results suggest the essential relevance of the magnetic structure with the ferroelectricity in LiCuFe₂(VO₄)₃, deserving further investigation of the underlying mechanism.

High-field phase diagram of Ni3V2O8studied by specific heat and magnetocaloric effect measurements

TheH-Tphase diagram of Ni₃V₂O₈is very rich and remains puzzling in a high magnetic field range. Through the state-of-the-art specific heat measurement in pulsed high field to 35 T and magnetocaloric effect measurement up to 45 T, we successfully construct the high-field phase diagram of Ni₃V₂O₈for fields applied along thebaxis. The phase boundaries are corrected for previous results by magnetization and magneto-optical measurements. The resulting phase diagram shows that the high temperature incommensurate (HTI) phase develops well to high fields and low temperatures. In addition to the early reported C', C, low temperature incommensurate (LTI) and HTI phases, we explore a new magnetic ordered phase called HF1 in fields of 10-30 T. A multicritical point is also observed at 6 K and 8 T. Furthermore, the specific heat data reveal enhancements of the anomalies at ∼4 K, probably associated with a strong spin-lattice coupling in this frustrated multiferroic material.

Crystal symmetry for incommensurate helical and cycloidal modulations

A classification of magnetic superspace groups compatible with the helical and cycloidal magnetic modulations is presented. Helical modulations are compatible with groups from crystal classes 1, 2, 222, 4, 422, 3, 32, 6 and 622, while cycloidal modulations are compatible with groups from crystal classes 1, 2, m and mm2. For each magnetic crystal class, the directions of the symmetry-allowed (non-modulated) net ferromagnetic moment and electric polarization are given. The proposed classification of superspace groups is tested on experimental studies of type-II multiferroics published in the literature.

Multiferroic decorated Fe2O3 monolayer predicted from first principles

Two-dimensional (2D) multiferroics exhibit cross-control capacity between magnetic and electric responses in a reduced spatial domain, making them well suited for next-generation nanoscale devices; however, progress has been slow in developing materials with required characteristic properties. Here we identify by first-principles calculations robust 2D multiferroic behaviors in decorated Fe2O3 monolayers, showcasing Li@Fe2O3 as a prototypical case, where ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism stem from the same origin, namely Fe d-orbital splitting induced by the Jahn-Teller distortion and associated crystal field changes. These findings establish strong material phenomena and elucidate the underlying physics mechanism in a family of truly 2D multiferroics that are highly promising for advanced device applications.

Enhancement of magnetoelectric coupling in Cr doped Mn2O3

The effect of Cr doping has been undertaken to investigate its effect on the structural, magnetic, dielectric and magnetoelectric properties of newly discovered multiferroics material α-Mn₂O₃. The Cr doping modifies the room temperature crystal symmetry i.e. transforms from orthorhombic to cubic symmetry. Similar to α-Mn₂O₃, two magnetic transitions have been observed in all Cr doped samples. The effect of Cr doping manifested on the low temperature transition. The lower magnetic transition shifted toward higher temperature (25 K for pristine to 40 K for Cr = 10%) whereas the high temperature transition decreases slightly with increasing Cr content. A clear frequency independent transition is observed in temperature dependent complex dielectric measurements for Mn_2-x Cr _x O₃ (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.10) samples around high temperature magnetic ordering ∼80 K which corroborate the magnetoelectric coupling in these samples. Interestingly, the magnetodielectric value enhanced significantly with Cr doping and a maximum increase of ∼21% is observed for 10% Cr doped sample at 5 K around 70 kOe magnetic field.

Three-dimensional magnetism and the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in S = 3/2 kagome staircase Co3V2O8

Time-of-flight neutron data reveal spin waves in the ferromagnetic ground state of the kagome staircase material Co₃V₂O₈. While previous work has treated this material as quasi-two-dimensional, we find that an inherently three-dimensional description is needed to describe the spin wave spectrum throughout reciprocal space. Moreover, spin wave branches show gaps that point to an unexpectedly large Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction on the nearest-neighbor bond, with D ₁ ≥ J ₁/2. A better understanding of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in this material should shed light on the multiferroicity of the related Ni₃V₂O₈. At a higher temperature where Co₃V₂O₈ displays an antiferromagnetic spin density wave structure, there are no well-defined spin wave excitations, with most of the spectral weight observed in broad diffuse scattering centered at the (0, 0.5, 0) antiferromagnetic Bragg peak.

Proof of the elusive high-temperature incommensurate phase in CuO by spherical neutron polarimetry

CuO is the only known binary multiferroic compound, and due to its high transition temperature into the multiferroic state, it has been extensively studied. In comparison to other prototype multiferroics, the nature and even the existence of the high-temperature incommensurate paraelectric phase (AF3) were strongly debated-both experimentally and theoretically-since it is stable for only a few tenths of a kelvin just below the Néel temperature. Until now, there is no proof by neutron diffraction techniques owing to its very small ordered Cu magnetic moment. Here, we demonstrate the potential of spherical neutron polarimetry, first, in detecting magnetic structure changes, which are not or weakly manifest in the peak intensity and, second, in deducing the spin arrangement of the so far hypothetic AF3 phase. Our findings suggest two coexisting spin density waves emerging from an accidental degeneracy of the respective states implying a delicate energy balance in the spin Hamiltonian.

Single crystal neutron and magnetic measurements of Rb2Mn3(VO4)2CO3 and K2Co3(VO4)2CO3 with mixed honeycomb and triangular magnetic lattices

Two new alkali vanadate carbonates with divalent transition metals have been synthesized as large single crystals via a high-temperature (600 °C) hydrothermal technique. Compound I, Rb2Mn3(VO4)2CO3, crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system in the space group P3[combining macron]1c, and compound II, K2Co3(VO4)2CO3, crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P63/m. Both structures contain honeycomb layers and triangular lattices made from edge-sharing MO6 octahedra and MO5 trigonal bipyramids, respectively. The honeycomb and triangular layers are connected along the c-axis through tetrahedral [VO4] groups. The MO5 units are connected with each other by carbonate groups in the ab-plane by forming a triangular magnetic lattice. The difference in space groups between I and II was also investigated with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Single crystal magnetic characterization of I indicates three magnetic transitions at 77 K, 2.3 K, and 1.5 K. The corresponding magnetic structures for each magnetic transition of I were determined using single crystal neutron diffraction. At 77 K the compound orders in the MnO6-honeycomb layer in a Néel-type antiferromagnetic orientation while the MnO5 triangular lattice ordered below 2.3 K in a colinear 'up-up-down' fashion, followed by a planar 'Y' type magnetic structure. K2Co3(VO4)2CO3 (II) exhibits a canted antiferromagnetic ordering below TN = 8 K. The Curie-Weiss fit (200-350 K) gives a Curie-Weiss temperature of -42 K suggesting a dominant antiferromagnetic coupling in the Co2+ magnetic sublattices.

Destruction of multiferroicity in Tb2BaNiO5 by Sr-doping and its implication to magnetodielectric coupling

The Haldane spin-chain compound, Tb₂BaNiO₅, with two antiferromagnetic transitions, one at T ₁  =  63 K and the other at T ₂  =  25 K, has been recently shown to be an exotic multiferroic below T ₂. Here, we report the results of our investigation of Sr doping at the Ba site by magnetization, heat-capacity, magnetodielectric (MDE) and pyrocurrent measurements. An intriguing finding, which we stress, is that the ferroelectricity is lost even for a doping level of ten atomic percent, though magnetic ordering prevails. The doped specimens however retain significant MDE behaviour, but with reduced magnitudes and qualitative changes with respect to the behaviour of the parent compound. This implies that ferroelectric order is also crucial for the anomalously large MDE in the parent compound, in addition to the role of 4f single-ion anisotropy.

Incommensurate Magnetism Near Quantum Criticality in CeNiAsO

We report the discovery of incommensurate magnetism near quantum criticality in CeNiAsO through neutron scattering and zero field muon spin rotation. For T<T_{N1}=8.7(3)  K, a second order phase transition yields an incommensurate spin density with a wave vector k=(0.44(4),0,0). For T<T_{N2}=7.6(3)  K, we find coplanar commensurate order with a moment of 0.37(5)μ_{B}, reduced to 30% of the saturation moment of the |±1/2⟩ Kramers doublet ground state, which we establish through inelastic neutron scattering. Muon spin rotation in CeNiAs_{1-x}P_{x}O shows the commensurate order only exists for x≤0.1 so we infer the transition at x_{c}=0.4(1) is between an incommensurate longitudinal spin density wave and a paramagnetic Fermi liquid.

The half magnetization plateau in Ni3V2O8 studied by electron spin resonance

Ni₃V₂O₈, regarded as an S  =  1 kagome staircase lattice antiferromagnet, possesses a novel magnetic field-temperature phase diagram. Specifically, a half plateau region is observed in the high field magnetization curve for magnetic fields in the range of 11-19 T. This experimental observation is theoretically unexpected for a standard kagome lattice antiferromagnet, and consequently, the underlying magnetic structure is still unclear. Multi-frequency electron spin resonance results in this study strongly support a collinear magnetic arrangement at the half plateau region. The resonant modes can be well fit by only considering the antiferromagnetic interactions on a four-spin sublattice of the spine sites.

Spin–orbit coupling in magnetoelectric Ba3(Zn1−xCox)2Fe24O41 hexaferrites

Z-type hexaferrites Ba₃(Zn_1−xCo_x)₂Fe₂₄O₄₁ (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, defined as Z1–Z4) were synthesized by a sol–gel method.

Two spin-canted antiferromagnetic orderings and a field-induced metamagnetic transition in SrMn2(VO4)2(H2O)2

A new vanadate SrMn2(VO4)2(H2O)2 was synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group C2/m, and exhibits a quasi-one-dimensional (1D) structure. The Mn2+ ions form infinite linear-chains along the b-axis through edge-sharing oxygen atoms and further the linear-chains are connected by VO4 polyhedra into a layer in the ab-plane with Sr2+ ions residing in the space between the layers. Magnetic measurement results show that SrMn2(VO4)2(H2O)2 possesses two spin-canted antiferromagnetic orderings at ∼45 K and ∼7 K. The first ordering at ∼45 K possibly corresponds to a small deviation of spins from a strictly antiparallel arrangement. As the temperature decreases, further spin rotations occur leading to a steadier noncollinear antiferromagnetic phase, leading to the second ordering at ∼7 K. Also, a field-induced transition is observed at a critical field (0.4 T) below ∼7 K.

Coupling two order parameters in a quantum gas

Controlling matter to simultaneously support coupled properties is of fundamental and technological importance¹ (for example, in multiferroics^2-5 or high-temperature superconductors^6-9). However, determining the microscopic mechanisms responsible for the simultaneous presence of different orders is difficult, making it hard to predict material phenomenology^10,11 or modify properties^12-16. Here, using a quantum gas to engineer an adjustable interaction at the microscopic level, we demonstrate scenarios of competition, coexistence and mutual enhancement of two orders. For the enhancement scenario, the presence of one order lowers the critical point of the other. Our system is realized by a Bose-Einstein condensate that can undergo self-organization phase transitions in two optical resonators¹⁷, resulting in two distinct crystalline density orders. We characterize the coupling between these orders by measuring the composite order parameter and the elementary excitations and explain our results with a mean-field free-energy model derived from a microscopic Hamiltonian. Our system is ideally suited to explore quantum tricritical points¹⁸ and can be extended to study the interplay of spin and density orders¹⁹ as a function of temperature²⁰.

The screened pseudo-charge repulsive potential in perturbed orbitals for band calculations by DFT+U

The conventional linear response overestimates the U in DFT+U calculations for solids with fully occupied orbitals. Here, we demonstrate that the challenge arises from the incomplete cancellation of the electron-electron Coulomb repulsion energy under external perturbation. We applied the second charge response, denoted as the "pseudo-charge" model, to offset such residue effects. Counteracting between these two charge response-induced Coulomb potentials, the U parameters are self-consistently obtained by fulfilling the conditions for minimizing the non-Koopmans energy. Moreover, the pseudo-charge-induced repulsive potential shows a screening behavior related to the orbital occupation and is potentially in compliance with the screened exact exchange-correlation of electrons. The resultant U parameters are self-consistent solutions for improved band structure calculations by the DFT+U method. This work extends the validity of the linear response method to both partially and fully occupied orbitals and gives a reference for estimating the Hubbard U parameter prior to other advanced methods. The U parameters were determined in a transferability test using both PBE and hybrid density functional methods, and the results showed that this method is independent of the functional. The electronic structures determined from the hybrid-DFT+U^hybrid approach are provided. Comparisons are also made with the recently developed self-consistent hybrid-DFT+U_w method.

Synthesis, structure and magnetism of the new S = 1 kagome magnet NH4Ni2.5V2O7(OH)2⋅H2O

Kagome antiferromagnets (KAFMs) have long been known to host exotic electronic states due to their strong geometric frustration, including the quantum spin liquid state in [Formula: see text] systems. Away from that limit, S  =  1 KAFMs are also predicted to host unconventional ground states such as spin nematic phases, but a paucity of studies on known model materials has restricted progress. Here, we present the crystal structure and preliminary magnetization measurements on the newly synthesized S  =  1 KAFM, NH₄Ni_2.5V₂O₇(OH)[Formula: see text]H₂O, which has the three-fold symmetry of the kagome lattice but significant site depletion, with  ∼[Formula: see text] site occupancy. Bulk magnetic data show clear evidence of frustration and competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. We propose that the magnetic Hamiltonian is frustrated and that anisotropic terms cause the formation of an unconventional ground state.

Two halide-containing cesium manganese vanadates: synthesis, characterization, and magnetic properties

Two new halide-containing cesium manganese vanadates have been synthesized by a high-temperature (580 °C) hydrothermal synthetic method from aqueous brine solutions.

Investigation of a Structural Phase Transition and Magnetic Structure of Na2BaFe(VO4)2: A Triangular Magnetic Lattice with a Ferromagnetic Ground State

The structural and magnetic properties of a glaserite-type Na₂BaFe(VO₄)₂ compound, featuring a triangular magnetic lattice of Fe²⁺ (S = 2), are reported. Temperature dependent X-ray single crystal studies indicate that at room temperature the system adopts a trigonal P3̅m1 structure and undergoes a structural phase transition to a C2/c monoclinic phase slightly below room temperature (T_s = 288 K). This structural transition involves a tilting of Fe-O-V bond angles and strongly influences the magnetic correlation within the Fe triangular lattice. The magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal a ferromagnetic transition near 7 K. Single crystal neutron diffraction confirms the structural distortion and the ferromagnetic spin ordering in Na₂BaFe(VO₄)₂. The magnetic structure of the ordered state is modeled in the magnetic space group C2'/c' that implies a ferromagnetic order of the a and c moment components and antiferromagnetic arrangement for the b components. Overall, the Fe magnetic moments form ferromagnetic layers that are stacked along the c-axis, where the spins point along one of the (111) facets of the FeO₆ octahedron.

Complex magnetic incommensurability and electronic charge transfer through the ferroelectric transition in multiferroic Co3TeO6

Polarized and unpolarized neutron diffractions have been carried out to investigate the nature of the magnetic structures and transitions in monoclinic Co₃TeO₆. As the temperature is lowered below 26 K long range order develops, which is fully incommensurate (ICM) in all three crystallographic directions. Below 19.5 K additional commensurate magnetic peaks develop, consistent with the Γ₄ irreducible representation, along with a splitting of the ICM peaks along the h direction which indicates that there are two separate sets of magnetic modulation vectors. Below 18 K, this small additional magnetic incommensurability disappears, ferroelectricity develops, an additional commensurate magnetic structure consistent with Γ₃ irreducible representation appears, and the k component of the ICM wave vector disappears. Synchrotron x-ray diffraction measurements demonstrate that there is a significant shift of the electronic charge distribution from the Te ions at the crystallographic 8 f sites to the neighboring Co and O ions. These results, together with the unusually small electric polarization, its strong magnetic field dependence, and the negative thermal expansion in all three lattice parameters, suggest this material is an antiferroelectric. Below15 K the k component of the ICM structure reappears, along with second-order ICM Bragg peaks, which polarized neutron data demonstrate are magnetic in origin.

Coupled multiferroic domain switching in the canted conical spin spiral system Mn2GeO4

Despite remarkable progress in developing multifunctional materials, spin-driven ferroelectrics featuring both spontaneous magnetization and electric polarization are still rare. Among such ferromagnetic ferroelectrics are conical spin spiral magnets with a simultaneous reversal of magnetization and electric polarization that is still little understood. Such materials can feature various multiferroic domains that complicates their study. Here we study the multiferroic domains in ferromagnetic ferroelectric Mn₂GeO₄ using neutron diffraction, and show that it features a double-Q conical magnetic structure that, apart from trivial 180^o commensurate magnetic domains, can be described by ferromagnetic and ferroelectric domains only. We show unconventional magnetoelectric couplings such as the magnetic-field-driven reversal of ferroelectric polarization with no change of spin-helicity, and present a phenomenological theory that successfully explains the magnetoelectric coupling. Our measurements establish Mn₂GeO₄ as a conceptually simple multiferroic in which the magnetic-field-driven flop of conical spin spirals leads to the simultaneous reversal of magnetization and electric polarization.

Effect of rare-earth (Er and Gd) substitution on the magnetic and multiferroic properties of DyFe0.5Cr0.5O3

We report the results of our investigations on the influence of partial substitution of Er and Gd for Dy on the magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of DyFe0.5Cr0.5O3, which is known to be a multiferroic system. Magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity data, apart from confirming the occurrence of magnetic transitions at ~121 and 13 K in DyFe0.5Cr0.5O3, bring out that the lower transition temperature only is suppressed by rare-earth substitution. Multiferroic behavior is found to persist in Dy0.4Ln0.6Fe0.5Cr0.5O3 (Ln  =  Er and Gd). There is an evidence for magnetoelectric coupling in all these materials with qualitative differences in its behavior as the temperature is changed across these two transitions. Remnant electric polarization is observed for all the compounds. The most notable observation is that electric polarization is seen to get enhanced as a result of rare-earth substitution with respect to that in DyFe0.5Cr0.5O3. Interestingly, a similar trend is seen in the magnetocaloric effect, consistent with the existence of magnetoelectric coupling. The results thus provide evidence for the tuning of magnetoelectric coupling by rare-earth substitution in this family of oxides.

Magnetic Reversal of Electric Polarization with Fixed Chirality of Magnetic Structure in a Chiral-Lattice Helimagnet MnSb_{2}O_{6}

The correlation between magnetic and dielectric properties has been investigated for the single crystal of the chiral triangular-lattice helimagnet MnSb_{2}O_{6}. We found that the spin-spiral plane in the ground state has a considerable tilting from the (110) plane and that the sign of the spin-spiral tilting angle is coupled to the clockwise or counterclockwise manner of spin rotation and accordingly to the sign of magnetically induced electric polarization. This leads to unique magnetoelectric responses such as the magnetic-field-induced selection of a single ferroelectric domain as well as the reversal of electric polarization just by a slight tilting of the magnetic field direction, where the chiral nature of the crystal structure plays a crucial role through the coupling of the chirality between the crystal and magnetic structures. Our results demonstrate that crystallographic chirality can be an abundant source of novel magnetoelectric functions with coupled internal degrees of freedom.

BaCo4(OH)2(H2PO4)(HPO4)2(PO4): Archimedean lattice T11 in distorted layers built from Co4O12(OH)4 squares

The family of Archimedean lattices has eleven numbers, yet several of these lattices have not been reported for transition metal oxides. Here, the last number of Archimedean lattice was firstly realized in a layered phosphate.

Multiferroicity Broken by Commensurate Magnetic Ordering in Terbium Orthomanganite

TbMnO3 is an important multiferroic material with strong coupling between magnetic and ferroelectric orderings. Incommensurate magnetic ordering is suggested to be vital for this coupling in TbMnO3 , which can be modified by doping at the site of Tb and/or Mn. Our study shows that a self-doped solid solution Tb1-x Mny MnO3 (y≤x) can be formed with Mn doped into the site of Tb of TbMnO3 . When y is small Tb1-x Mny MnO3 shows both ferroelectric and incommensurate magnetic orders at low temperature, which is similar to TbMnO3 . However, if y is large enough, a commensurate antiferromagnetic ordering appears along with the incommensurate magnetic ordering to prevent the appearance of multiferroicity in Tb1-x Mny MnO3 . That is to say, the magnetoeletric coupling can be broken by the co-existence of a commensurate antiferromagnetic ordering. This finding may be useful to the study of TbMnO3 .

Super-crystals in composite ferroelectrics

As atoms and molecules condense to form solids, a crystalline state can emerge with its highly ordered geometry and subnanometric lattice constant. In some physical systems, such as ferroelectric perovskites, a perfect crystalline structure forms even when the condensing substances are non-stoichiometric. The resulting solids have compositional disorder and complex macroscopic properties, such as giant susceptibilities and non-ergodicity. Here, we observe the spontaneous formation of a cubic structure in composite ferroelectric potassium-lithium-tantalate-niobate with micrometric lattice constant, 10(4) times larger than that of the underlying perovskite lattice. The 3D effect is observed in specifically designed samples in which the substitutional mixture varies periodically along one specific crystal axis. Laser propagation indicates a coherent polarization super-crystal that produces an optical X-ray diffractometry, an ordered mesoscopic state of matter with important implications for critical phenomena and applications in miniaturized 3D optical technologies.

Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of A2Cu5(TeO3)(SO4)3(OH)4 (A = Na, K): The First Compounds with a 1D Kagomé Strip Lattice

Two new tellurite-sulfates A2Cu5(TeO3)(SO4)3(OH)4 (A = Na, K) have been synthesized by a conventional hydrothermal method. Both compounds feature 1D kagomé strip structure built by distorted CuO6 octahedra, which can be regarded as the dimensional reduction of kagomé lattice. Magnetic measurements confirmed that the titled compounds possess antiferromagnetic ordering at low temperature, while a field-induced magnetic transition can be observed at critical field. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to obtain distorted kagomé strip compounds.

Magnetic structures of the low temperature phase of Mn3(VO4)2 – towards understanding magnetic ordering between adjacent Kagomé layers

The magnetic structures of the low-temperature phase of Mn₃(VO₄)₂ are solved and discussed in this article.

A frustrated ferrimagnet Cu5(VO4)2(OH)4 with a 1/5 magnetization plateau on a new spin-lattice of alternating triangular and honeycomb strips

Cu5(VO4)2(OH)4 (turanite) is a layered compound, exhibiting a copper(II) oxide layer in the [0 1 1] plane composed of edge-sharing CuO6 octahedra. Each Cu-O layer is further separated by VO4 tetrahedra. Closer scrutiny found that the copper(II) oxide layer in the compound represents a totally new geometrically-frustrated lattice, a 1/6 depleted triangular lattice. More specifically, the spin network in the [0 1 1] plane is formed by the alternate ranking of triangular and honeycomb strips. Magnetic measurements show that the Cu5(VO4)2(OH)4 behaves as a spin-1/2 ferrimagnet with a Tc = ∼4.5 K. It exhibits an unusual 1/5 magnetization plateau arising from the competition between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions caused by the strong frustration. The possible spin-arrangements are also suggested.

Control of multiferroic domains by external electric fields in TbMnO₃

The control of multiferroic domains through external electric fields has been studied by dielectric measurements and by polarized neutron diffraction on single-crystalline TbMnO3. Full hysteresis cycles were recorded by varying an external field of the order of several kV mm(-1) and by recording the chiral magnetic scattering as well as the charge in a sample capacitor. Both methods yield comparable coercive fields that increase upon cooling.

Piezomagnetoelectric Effect of Spin Origin in Dysprosium Orthoferrite

The piezomagnetoelectric effect, namely, the simultaneous induction of both the ferromagnetic moment and electric polarization by an application of uniaxial stress, was demonstrated in the nonferroelectric antiferromagnetic ground state of DyFeO(3). The induced electric polarization and ferromagnetic moment are coupled with each other, and monotonically increase with increasing uniaxial stress. The present work provides a new guiding principle for designing multiferroics where its magnetic symmetry is broken by external uniaxial stress.

Delafossite Nanoparticle as New Functional Materials: Advances in Energy, Nanomedicine and Environmental Applications

Recently, numerous delafossite oxides in nanoscale have been reported for diverse applications. The present review summarized the recent overall views of delafossite nanoparticles in diverse applications such as energy, catalysis, photocatalysis, nanomedicine, sensors, electrochemical devices and environmental concerns. Delafossite nanoparticles possess unique features such as different and wide chemical composition, large surface area, small energy gap, ability for further functionalization, possess dual-active sites with different oxidation states (A+and M3+), and eager for doping with various species with feasibility to undergo structure modification. Thus, they provided promising application such as solar cell, photocatalysis, hydrogen production, bioactive materials, separation purposes and others. Pros, cons, current and future status were also reviewed.

The ferroelectric polarization of Y2CoMnO6 aligns along the b-axis: the first-principles calculations

Double-perovskite A2BB'O6 oxides with magnetic B and B' ions and E*-type antiferromagnetic order (E*-AFM, i.e. the ↑↑↓↓ structure) are believed to exhibit promising multiferroic properties, and Y2CoMnO6 (YCMO) is one candidate in this category. However, the microscopic origins for magnetically induced ferroelectricity in YCMO remain unclear. In this study, we perform detailed symmetry analysis on the exchange striction effect and lattice distortion, plus the first-principles calculations on YCMO. The E*-AFM state as the ground state with other competing states such as ferromagnetic and A-antiferromagnetic orders is confirmed. It is observed that the ferroelectricity is generated by the exchange striction associated with the E*-AFM order and chemically ordered Mn/Co occupation. Both the lattice symmetry consideration and first-principles calculations predict that the electric polarization aligns along the b-axis. The calculated polarization reaches up to 0.4682 μC cm(-2), mainly from the ionic displacement contribution. The present study presents a comprehensive understanding of the multiferroic mechanisms in YCMO and is of general significance for predicting emergent multiferroicity in other double-perovskite magnetic oxides.

Damped spin waves in the intermediate ordered phases in Ni3V2O8

Spin dynamics in the intermediate ordered phases (between 4 and 9 K) in Ni3V2O8 have been studied with inelastic neutron scattering. It is found that the spin waves are very diffuse, indicative of short lived correlations and the coexistence of paramagnetic moments with the long-range ordered state.

Magnetic origin of giant magnetoelectricity in doped Y-type hexaferrite Ba(0.5)Sr(1.5)Zn(2)(Fe(1-x)Al(x))(12)O(22)

We investigated site-specific magnetic behaviors of multiferroic Ba(0.5)Sr(1.5)Zn(2)(Fe(1-x)Al(x))(12)O(22) using Fe L(2,3)-edge x-ray magnetic circular dichroism. The Al dopants mostly replace the Fe(3+) ions at octahedral (O(h)) sites, which contribute unquenched angular momenta through off-centering displacements. This replacement greatly reduces the magnetic anisotropy energy to change the magnetic order from a helical to a heliconical type with enhanced magnetoelectric susceptibility (α(ME)). The tetrahedral (T(d)) Fe sites exhibit magnetic hysteresis distinguishable from that of the O(h) sites, especially at low magnetic fields. These results provide essential clues for the heliconical order with a giant α(ME) and multibit memory effects in the Al-doped Y-type hexaferrite.

Uniaxial-stress control of spin-driven ferroelectricity in multiferroic Ba(2)CoGe(2)O(7)

We have demonstrated that spin-driven ferroelectricity in a tetragonal multiferroic Ba(2)CoGe(2)O(7) is controlled by applying uniaxial stress. We found that the application of compressive stress along the [110] direction leads to a 45° or 135° rotation of the sublattice magnetization of the staggered antiferromagnetic order in this system. This allows the spontaneous electric polarization to appear along the c axis. The present study suggests that an application of anisotropic stress, which is the simplest way to control symmetry of matter, can induce a variety of cross-correlated phenomena in spin-driven multiferroics.

MnTaO2N: polar LiNbO3-type oxynitride with a helical spin order

The synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of a polar and magnetic oxynitride MnTaO2N are reported. High-pressure synthesis at 6 GPa and 1400 °C allows for the stabilization of a high-density structure containing middle-to-late transition metals. Synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction studies revealed that MnTaO2N adopts the LiNbO3-type structure, with a random distribution of O(2-) and N(3-) anions. MnTaO2N with an "orbital-inactive" Mn(2+) ion (d(5); S=5/2) exhibits a nontrivial helical spin order at 25 K with a propagation vector of [0,0,δ] (δ≈0.3), which is different from the conventional G-type order observed in other orbital-inactive perovskite oxides and LiNbO3-type oxides. This result suggests the presence of strong frustration because of the heavily tilted MnO4N2 octahedral network combined with the mixed O(2-)/N(3-) species that results in a distribution of (super)-superexchange interactions.