Abstract
We report high resolution inelastic neutron scattering measurements and spin dynamics calculations in two multiferroic materials: the geometrically frustrated triangular lattice CuFeO 2 and mineral Hbnerite MnWO 4. In un-doped CuFeO 2 a low-T collinear spin structure is stabilized by long range magnetic interactions. When doped with a few percent of gallium, the spin order evolves into a complex noncollinear configuration and the system becomes multiferroic. Similarly, the ground state collinear spin order in pure MnWO 4 results from delicate balance between competing magnetic interactions up to 11th nearest neighbors and can be tuned by substitution of Mn ions with magnetic or nonmagnetic impurities. The comprehensive investigation of spin dynamics in both systems help to understand the fundamental physical process and the interactions leading to the close interplay of magnetism and ferroelectricity in this type of materials.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 07E137 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Physics |
Volume | 111 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 2012 |
Funding
This work was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division and Scientific User Facilities Division. Work at Houston was supported in part by the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, the J.J. and R. Moores Endowment, and the State of Texas through TCSUH and at LBNL through the US DOE, Contract No. DE-AC03-76SF00098. We acknowledge the support of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S. Department of Commerce, in providing the neutron research facilities used in this work.