Abstract
We have performed high-resolution neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering experiments in the frustrated multiferroic hexagonal compounds (), which provide evidence of a strong magnetoelastic coupling in the whole family. We can correlate the atomic positions, the type of magnetic structure, and the nature of the spin waves whatever the ion and temperature. The key parameter is the position of the Mn ions in the unit cell with respect to a critical threshold of , which determines the sign of the coupling between Mn triangular planes.
- Received 25 May 2009
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.067204
©2009 American Physical Society