Magnetic and dielectric order in the kagome-like francisite Cu$_3$Bi(SeO$_3$)$_2$O$_2$Cl

Abstract

We report a single-crystal neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering study on the spin 1/2 cuprate Cu$_3$Bi(SeO$_3$)$_2$O$_2$Cl, complemented by dielectric and electric polarization measurements. The study clarifies a number of open issues concerning this complex material, whose frustrated interactions on a kagome-like lattice, combined with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, are expected to stabilize an exotic canted antiferromagnetic order. In particular, we determine the nature of the structural transition occurring at 115 K, the magnetic structure below 25 K resolved in the updated space group, and the microscopic ingredients at the origin of this magnetic arrangement. This was achieved by an analysis of the measured gapped spin waves, which signifies the need of an unexpected and significant anisotropic exchange beyond the proposed Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions. Finally, we discuss the mutliferroic properties of this material with respect to the space group symmetries.