Abstract
The weak ferromagnetic moment in Ni-doped CuB2O4 can be rotated by applying an electric field. While this implies spin-driven ferroelectricity, no direct evidence of electric polarization has been reported to date. Here we report the induction and control of polarization in the borate in the presence of an external magnetic field. Applying a magnetic field along the [110] or [11̄0] axis induces electric polarization along the [001] axis. The polarization is reversed by switching the magnetic-field direction between the [110] and [11̄0] axes. The mechanism by which electric polarization emerges can be well explained in the framework of spin-dependent metal-ligand hybridization.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 184416 |
Journal | Physical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics |
Volume | 87 |
Issue number | 18 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 May 16 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics