Single-crystal neutron diffraction study of hexagonal YbMnO$_3$ multiferroic under magnetic field

TL;DR

This study uses single-crystal neutron diffraction to analyze the magnetic structure of YbMnO$_3$, revealing magnetic reorientation under magnetic fields and clarifying debated magnetic properties within the hexagonal RMnO$_3$ family.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the magnetic ordering and field-induced reorientation in YbMnO$_3$, resolving previous ambiguities and expanding understanding of hexagonal multiferroic manganites.

Findings

Identified magnetic reorientation of Mn and Yb ions under magnetic field.

Proposed a magnetic ordering scenario consistent with multiple experimental techniques.

Clarified magnetic properties of YbMnO$_3$ within the hexagonal RMnO$_3$ family.

Abstract

We report single-crystal neutron diffraction study of the magnetic structure of the multiferroic compound YbMnO$_3$, a member of the hexagonal manganite family, in zero-field and under a magnetic field applied along the $c$-axis. We propose a scenario for the zero-field magnetic ordering and for the field-induced magnetic reorientation of the Mn and of the two Yb on distinct crystallographic sites, compatible with the macroscopic measurements, as well as with previous powder neutron diffraction experiment and results from other techniques (optical second harmonic generation, M\"ossbauer spectroscopy). Our study should contribute in settling some debated issues about the magnetic properties of this material, as part of a broader investigation of the entire hexagonal RMnO$_3$ (R = Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Y) family.