Modification of the multiferroic properties of YCrO3 and LuCrO3 by Mn substitution

Abstract

The effect of Mn substitution on the multiferroic properties of Y CrO3 and LuCrO3 has been investigated. Solid solutions of the type Y Cr1−xMnxO3 and LuCr1−xMnxO3 (x=0.0–0.3) possess orthorhombic structures with Pnma and Pbnm space groups respectively. Both the series of materials show canted antiferromagnetic behavior with TN decreasing with increasing x. They also exhibit ferroelectricity with the transition temperature decreasing with increases in x. The x=0.3 compositions show improved magnetic properties with a ferroelectric transition in the 418–425 K range.