Pressure-induced charge-transfer and structural transition in hexagonal multiferroic HoMnO3

Martin Ottesen, Emma Ehrenreich-Petersen, Camilla Hjort Kronbo, François Baudelet, Lucie Nataf, Innokenty Kantor, Mads Ry Vogel Jørgensen, Martin Bremholm*

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

The structural properties of the hexagonal multiferroic h-HoMnO3 under high pressure have been explored using synchrotron x-ray diffraction and x-ray absorption spectroscopy in diamond anvil cells. The structure was found to undergo a pressure-induced phase transition at ∼24 GPa to a rhombohedrally distorted superstructure, which is isostructural to the oxygen-loaded h-RMnO3+δ (R=Y,Dy,Ho,Er; δ≈0.28) phases found in the same systems. The driving force behind the phase transition is the highly compressible ab plane which facilitates a gradual charge disproportionation of Mn(III) with pressure. We speculate this stabilizes the spin-liquid phase due to ferromagnetic coupling between neighboring Mn(II)/Mn(IV) and Mn(III). In addition, we demonstrate that the structural behavior is highly susceptible to nonhydrostatic conditions and the choice of pressure medium should be carefully made.

Original languageEnglish
Article number134115
JournalPhysical Review B
Volume107
Issue13
Number of pages9
ISSN2469-9950
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2023

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