Metamagnetic transitions and magnetoelectric responses in a chiral polar helimagnet Ni$_2$InSbO$_6$

TL;DR

This study investigates the magnetic-field-induced phase transitions and magnetoelectric effects in the chiral polar helimagnet Ni$_2$InSbO$_6$, revealing complex magnetic modulations and polarization changes under different field orientations.

Contribution

It provides detailed experimental evidence of metamagnetic transitions and their impact on electric polarization in Ni$_2$InSbO$_6$, a chiral polar helimagnet, expanding understanding of magnetoelectric coupling.

Findings

Long-wavelength magnetic modulation confirmed by diffraction.

Magnetic field induces helix-to-canted antiferromagnetic transition.

Electric polarization changes accompany metamagnetic transitions.

Abstract

Magnetic-field effect on the magnetic and electric properties in a chiral polar ordered corundum Ni$_2$InSbO$_6$ has been investigated. Single-crystal soft x-ray and neutron diffraction measurements confirm long-wavelength magnetic modulation. The modulation direction tends to align along the magnetic field applied perpendicular to the polar axis, suggesting that the nearly proper-screw type helicoid should be formed below 77\,K. The application of a high magnetic field causes a metamagnetic transition. In a magnetic field applied perpendicular to the polar axis, a helix-to-canted antiferromagnetic transition takes place through the intermediate soliton lattice type state. On the other hand, a magnetic field applied along the polar axis induces a first-order metamagnetic transition. These metamagnetic transitions accompany a change in the electric polarization along the polar axis.