Abstract
A review is given on the studies of microscopic magnetic properties and macroscopic dielectric properties as functions of temperature, magnetic field, and the variety of R3+ (R = rare-earth, Bi, and Y) ions in the multiferroic RMn2O5 compounds by neutron diffraction and dielectric measurements. We have observed successive dielectric and magnetic phase transitions, which concomitantly takes place and a so-called multiferroics is realized. In this system, the ferroelectricity is magnetically induced and the commensurate magnetism is indispensable to produce a spontaneous electric polarization. The microscopic origin of the magnetically induced ferroelectricity and the role of rare-earth magnetic moment for a colossal magnetoelectric effect in RMn2O5 will be discussed in the viewpoint of the magnetic structure.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 77-85 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Ferroelectrics |
Volume | 354 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 Dec 1 |
Keywords
- Antiferromagnetism
- Colossal magnetoelectric effect
- Ferroelectricity
- Magnetic field
- Multiferroics
- Neutron diffraction
- RMnO
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics