Multiferroics are a class of materials that exhibit at least two types of “ferro-” orders within a single crystal phase, such as ferroelectricity, ferro/antiferromagnetism, or ferroelasticity. One of the most promising multiferroic materials is bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3 or BFO). It is a rare example of a material that combines ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic properties in a single phase at room temperature. BFO has a perovskite-like crystal structure that is rhombohedrally deformed. From a magnetic properties perspective, BFO is an antiferromagnet, with its antiferromagnetic sublattices exhibiting a slight canting. This canting results in a weak ferromagnetic moment, which is averaged out by a cycloidal spin order. Consequently, there are numerous efforts aimed at disrupting the spin cycloid to release the inherent ferromagnetic moment of BFO.

In this presentation, the crystal structure, magnetic properties, and thermal stability of BFO prepared by the sol-gel method will be discussed. Moreover, the effect of rare-earth ion doping on the structure and magnetic properties of BFO will also be addressed. It will be demonstrated that the spin cycloid can be destroyed by doping and that Mössbauer spectroscopy is a highly useful technique for monitoring this process. 

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https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5081440931

Meeting ID: 508 144 0931

Seminar hosts: Juraj Krsnik i Borna Radatović