The multiferroic phases of (Eu:Y)MnO3

Abstract

We report on structural, magnetic, dielectric, and thermodynamic properties of (Eu:Y)MnO3 for Y doping levels 0 <= x < 1. This system resembles the multiferroic perovskite manganites RMnO3 (with R= Gd, Dy, Tb) but without the interference of magnetic contributions of the 4f-ions. In addition, it offers the possibility to continuously tune the influence of the A-site ionic radii. For small concentrations x <= 0.1 we find a canted antiferromagnetic and paraelectric groundstate. For higher concentrations x <= 0.3 ferroelectric polarization coexists with the features of a long wavelength incommensurate spiral magnetic phase analogous to the observations in TbMnO3. In the intermediate concentration range around x = 0.2 a multiferroic scenario is realized combining weak ferroelectricity and weak ferromagnetism, presumably due to a canted spiral magnetic structure.