Magnetic order in YbMnO${}_3$ studied by Neutron Diffraction and Mössbauer Spectroscopy

Abstract

The magnetic ordering of the hexagonal multiferroic compound YbMnO${}_3$ has been studied between 100 K and 1.5 K by combining neutron powder diffraction, ${}^{170}$Yb Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetization measurements. The Yb moments of the two crystallographic sites order at two different temperatures, the $4b$ site together with the Mn moments (at $T_N\simeq$85 K) and the $2a$ site well below (at 3.5 K). The temperature dependences of the Mn and Yb moments are explained within a molecular field model, showing that the $4b$ and $2a$ sites order via Yb-Mn and Yb-Yb interactions respectively. A simple picture taking into account the local Mn environment of the Rare earth R ($4b$) ion is proposed to couple R and Mn orders in hexagonal RMnO${}_3$ manganites. The nature and symmetry of the R-Mn interactions yielding the R order are discussed.

9 pages, 13 figures