Characterization of magnetic symmetry and electric polarization of $\mathrm{YC}{\mathrm{r}}_{0.5}\mathrm{F}{\mathrm{e}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{O}}_3$

We investigate the magnetic structure and the electric properties of $\mathrm{YC}{\mathrm{r}}_{0.5}\mathrm{F}{\mathrm{e}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{O}}_3$, which was earlier reported to feature ferroelectricity from nonequivalent spins due to the cation disorder. We find a centrosymmetric magnetic order at all temperatures below $T_N$, which is incompatible with magnetically induced ferroelectricity. Our dielectric and pyroelectric studies also do not support intrinsic ferroelectricity in this system.

Figure 1

Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility (a) and $M\text{−}H$ measurements at representative temperatures (b).

Figure 2

(a) NPD pattern and Rietveld refinement result at 2 K. Observed (red circle), calculated (black line), and difference (gray line) profiles are shown together with the allowed Bragg reflections of nuclear (top ticks), and magnetic (bottom ticks) diffraction. The inset shows the goodness of fitting for low-angle magnetic Bragg peaks. (b)–(d) Two fitted magnetic Bragg peaks, compared to the three different models.

Figure 3

(a) Representative NPD patterns collected at different temperatures on DMC. Temperature-dependent integrated intensity of (110) (b) and (011) (c).

Figure 4

Magnetic structure of $\mathrm{YC}{\mathrm{r}}_{0.5}\mathrm{F}{\mathrm{e}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{O}}_3$ below $T_N$. Cr/Fe magnetic moment (golden arrow) is shown together with the inversion center (red ball).

Figure 5

Temperature-dependent dielectric constant $\varepsilon$ at different testing frequencies. The inset shows the result under magnetic field $H=0.5\mathrm{T}$.

Figure 6

Pyroelectric characterization with a poling electric field $E=3.33\mathrm{kV}/\mathrm{cm}$ at different conditions (a), (b) and temperature-dependent electric polarization $P$ obtained by integrating the pyroelectric current (c).