Chiral Order and Multiferroic Domain Relaxation in NaFeGe${}_2$O${}_6$

Abstract

The magnetic structure and the multiferroic relaxation dynamics of NaFeGe${}_2$O${}_6$ were studied by neutron scattering on single crystals partially utilizing polarization analysis. In addition to the previously reported transitions, the incommensurate spiral ordering of Fe${}^{3+}$ moments in the $ac$ plane develops an additional component along the crystallographic $b$ direction below $T\approx 5\text{ K}$, which coincides with a lock-in of the incommensurate modulation. The quasistatic control of the spin-spiral handedness, respectively of the vector chirality, by external electric fields proves the invertibility of multiferroic domains down to the lowest temperature. Time-resolved measurements of the multiferroic domain inversion in NaFeGe${}_2$O${}_6$ reveal a simple temperature and electric-field dependence of the multiferroic relaxation that is well described by a combined Arrhenius-Merz relation, as it has been observed for TbMnO${}_3$. The maximum speed of domain wall motion is comparable to the spin wave velocity.