Electric polarization of magnetic domain walls in magnetoelectrics

Abstract

Two prominent magnetoelectrics MnWO$_4$ and CuO possess low-temperature commensurate paraelectric magnetically ordered phase. Here using Monte Carlo simulations we show that the walls between the domains of this phase are ferroelectric with the same electric polarization direction and value as that in the magnetoelectric phases of these compounds. We also suggest that experimental observation of electric polarization of domain walls in MnWO$_4$ should help to determine the macroscopic interactions responsible for its magnetoelectric properties.