Electromagnon signatures of a metastable multiferroic state

TL;DR

This study uses terahertz spectroscopy to identify and analyze a magnetic-field-induced metastable multiferroic state in a hexaferrite, revealing insights into its stability and thermal reversion.

Contribution

It demonstrates the spectroscopic signatures of a metastable multiferroic state induced by magnetic fields, advancing understanding of multiferroic state stabilization.

Findings

Identification of a metastable multiferroic state via terahertz spectroscopy

The metastable state persists until thermal effects revert it to paraelectric

Insights into the interplay between magnetic field, thermal fluctuations, and multiferroicity

Abstract

Magnetoelectric multiferroic materials, particularly type-II multiferroics where ferroelectric polarizations arise from magnetic order, offer significant potential for the simultaneous control of magnetic and electric properties. However, it remains an open question as to how the multiferroic ground states are stabilized on the free-energy landscape in the presence of intricate competition between the magnetoelectric coupling and thermal fluctuations. In this work, by using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in combination with an applied magnetic field, photoexcitation, and single-shot detection, we reveal the spectroscopic signatures of a magnetic-field-induced metastable multiferroic state in a hexaferrite. This state remains robust until thermal influences cause the sample to revert to the original paraelectric state. Our findings shed light on the emergence of metastable multiferroicity and its interplay with thermal dynamics.