Structure transition of multiferroic hexagonal TmMnO₃ compound under high pressure

Abstract

The high-pressure-induced structure transition in multiferroic hexagonal TmMnO₃ (h-TmMnO₃) has been investigated using an in situ angle-dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique in a diamond anvil cell. The experimental results show that the phase transition from ambient hexagonal to orthorhombic structure with space group Pbnm begins around 10.2 GPa. The Rietveld refinement method was used to determine the lattice parameters and lattice compressibility of the h-TmMnO₃ compound from 0.8 to 28.6 GPa. The pressure evolution of average bond distances and bond angles between the Mn and O atoms in the ab-plane was obtained. The magnetic properties under different pressures as well as their effect on multiferroic properties are discussed using extrapolations from the empirical relation of magnetic order versus rare-earth ionic radius.

Keywords:

• multiferroics
• high pressure
• structure transition
• antiferromagnetism

PACS :

• 61. 50. Ks
• 07. 35. +K
• 75. 47. Lx
• 75. 50. Ee

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by NSF & MOST of China through research projects.