Tuning of Quantum Paraelectricity of M-type Hexaferrite BaFe12O19 by External Parameters

TL;DR

This study explores how external parameters like isotope substitution, strain, and pressure influence the quantum paraelectric state of BaFe12O19, revealing pathways to tune its quantum critical behavior.

Contribution

It demonstrates effective methods to tune quantum fluctuations in BaFe12O19, advancing understanding of quantum criticality in hexaferrites.

Findings

57Fe isotope replacement enhances quantum criticality

In-plane strain induces a dielectric peak near criticality

Hydrostatic pressure suppresses quantum paraelectric features

Abstract

M-type hexaferrite BaFe12O19 was recently reported to be a new type of quantum paraelectrics with triangular lattice by showing a low temperature dielectric plateau due to quantum fluctuation. It has also been proposed to have a possible quantum-dipole liquid ground state. To suppress its quantum fluctuations and reach a possible quantum critical point, we have tuned its quantum paraelectricity in three ways: (i) 57Fe isotope replacement; (ii) in-plane compressive strain; and (iii) hydrostatic pressure. It is found that 95% 57Fe replacement and the in-plane strain are more effective to drive its ground state closer to a critical region by inducing a peak feature in the temperature dependence of dielectric constant. In contrast, the application of hydrostatic pressure pushed the system away from the quantum critical point by gradually suppressing the plateau feature in dielectric constant. Our combined efforts reveal the potential of the M-type hexaferrites for studying the quantum critical behaviors.