Session W9: Focus Session: Complex Bulk Oxides: Multiferroics
11:15 AM–2:15 PM, Thursday, March 1, 2012
Room: 209
Sponsoring Units:
DMP GMAG
Chair: Pat Woodward, Ohio State University
Abstract ID: BAPS.2012.MAR.W9.4
Abstract: W9.00004 : Spin-driven ferroelectricity in ferroaxial crystals
11:51 AM–12:27 PM
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Abstract 
Author:
Laurent Chapon
(Institut Laue-Langevin, France)
Spin-driven ferroelectricity in most non-collinear magnets, such as TbMnO3, is induced by the so-called inverse Dzyalonshinskii-Moriya mechanism and requires a cycloidal magnetic structure, an ordered magnetic state that is not truly chiral (or lacks helicity). Conversely, in a truly chiral magnetic state (proper helix), the pseudo-scalar helicity can not couple directly to the electric polarization, and therefore can't induce ferroelectric order. However, in systems of specific crystal symmetry, named here ``ferroaxials,'' the presence of collective structural rotations mediates an indirect coupling between magnetic helicity and ferroelectricity. I will review our recent experimental results for new compounds of this class, obtained by magnetic X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques, including a clear demonstration that the magnetic helicity can be controlled by an electric field.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2012.MAR.W9.4