Topology and manipulation of multiferroic hybrid domains in MnWO$_4$

TL;DR

This paper explores the complex three-dimensional structure of multiferroic hybrid domains in MnWO4, revealing entangled magnetic and ferroelectric features and demonstrating a topological memory effect that enables reconstruction of domain structures.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of multiferroic hybrid domains and provides the first detailed 3D structural analysis along with a novel topological memory effect in MnWO4.

Findings

Magnetic and ferroelectric domains are inseparably entangled.

A topological memory effect allows reconstruction of domain structures.

The 3D structure of multiferroic domains is resolved.

Abstract

An investigation of the spatially resolved distribution of domains in the multiferroic phase of MnWO$_4$ reveals that characteristic features of magnetic and ferroelectric domains are inseparably entangled. Consequently, the concept of "multiferroic hybrid domains" is introduced for compounds in which ferroelectricity is induced by magnetic order. The three-dimensional structure of the domains is resolved. Annealing cycles reveal a topological memory effect that goes beyond previously reported memory effects and allows one to reconstruct the entire multiferroic multidomain structure subsequent to quenching it.