Control of the magnetic phase coexistence in NdFe$_3$(BO$_3$)$_4$ by electric fields

TL;DR

This study uses resonant x-ray diffraction to show that applying electric fields can control the coexistence of magnetic phases in NdFe$_3$(BO$_3$)$_4$, revealing a link between magnetic phase balance and ferroelectric polarization.

Contribution

It demonstrates electric field control over magnetic phase coexistence in NdFe$_3$(BO$_3$)$_4$, highlighting a new pathway for magnetoelectric material design.

Findings

Electric fields increase the collinear magnetic phase volume fraction.

Magnetic phase coexistence correlates with ferroelectric polarization.

Electric control of magnetic phases suggests potential for novel magnetoelectric devices.

Abstract

We present a resonant x-ray diffraction study of the magnetic order in NdFe$_3$(BO$_3$)$_4$ and its coupling to applied electric fields. Our high-resolution measurements reveal A coexistence of two different magnetic phases, which can be triggered effectively by external electric fields. More in detail, the volume fraction of the collinear magnetic phase is found to strongly increase at the expense of helically ordered regions when an electric field is applied. These results confirm that the collinear magnetic phase is responsible for the ferroelectric polarization of NdFe$_3$(BO$_3$)$_4$ and, more importantly, demonstrate that magnetic phase coexistence provides an alternative route towards materials with a strong magnetoelectric response.