Multiferroic quantum criticality in (Eu,Ba,Sr)TiO$_3$ solid solution

Abstract

Based on the earlier published theory (\textit{Nature Mat}. \textbf{18}, 223--228 (2019)), a comprehensive experimental investigation of multiferroic quantum critical behavior of (Eu,Ba,Sr)TiO$_3$ polycrystalline and single crystal samples was performed. Presence of the displacive ferroelectric quantum criticality is revealed through non-classical ($T^2$) temperature scaling of inverse dielectric susceptibility up to 60\,K. With increasing hydrostatic pressure, this ferroelectric quantum criticality is gradually suppressed. Inverse magnetic susceptibility follows classical Curie-Weiss law down to 4 K, but quantum fluctuations belonging to an antiferromagnetic phase transition ($T_{\mathrm{N}} < 0.8$ K) change its scaling below 3 K to $T^{(1.7\pm 0.1)}$ and $T^{(2.1\pm 0.2)}$ for samples containing 29\,\% and 25\,\% of Eu$^{2+}$ ions, respectively. Experimental indications of the coexisting ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic, i.e. multiferroic, quantum fluctuations and qualitative explanation why they could be seen only in the immediate proximity of $T_{\mathrm{N}}$ is given.