Mn substitution-modified polar phase in the Bi1-xNdxFeO3 multiferroics

Abstract

Room-temperature crystal structure and multiferroic properties of the Bi0.92Nd0.08Fe1-xMnxO3 (x <= 0.3) ferromanganites have been studied to reveal the effect of Mn doping on the magnetic and ferroelectric behaviors of the lanthanide-modified compound representing a polar (space group R3c) predominantly antiferromagnetic phase of the Bi(1-x)Ln(x)FeO(3) perovskites. B-site substitution tends to suppress existing polar displacements and induces a ferroelectric-to-antiferroelectric transition near x = 0.2. The threshold concentration inducing the structural transformation does not coincide with that required to change the dominant magnetic interaction, so a weak ferromagnetic/ferroelectric state unusual for the Bi(1-x)Ln(x)FeO(3) and BiFe1-xMnxO3 series appears in the intermediate concentration range near the polar/nonpolar phase boundary. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.