Anapoles and other magneto-electric multipoles in BaFe2Se3

Abstract

We submit that the magnetic space-group Cac (#9.41) is consistent with the established magnetic structure of BaFe2Se3, with magnetic dipole moments in a motif that uses two ladders [Caron J M et al 2011 Phys. Rev. B 84 180409(R)]. The corresponding crystal class m1' allows axial and polar dipoles and forbids bulk ferromagnetism. The compound supports magneto-electric multipoles, including a magnetic charge (monopole) and an anapole (magnetic toroidal dipole) visible in the Bragg diffraction of x-rays and neutrons. Our comprehensive simulation of neutron Bragg diffraction by BaFe2Se3 exploits expressions of a general nature that can be of use with other magnetic materials. Electric toroidal moments are also allowed in BaFe2Se3. A discussion of our findings for resonant x-ray Bragg diffraction illustrates the benefit of a common platform for neutron and x-ray diffraction.