### 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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#### 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