Combinatorial model for the ferroelectric domain-network formation in hexagonal manganites

As a result of the high-temperature improper ferroelectric transition occurring in YMnO sub(3) and other hexagonal manganites, a striking domain pattern was observed: an emergence of six domains of alternating polarization from one point in a vortexlike pattern. We derive the formation and distribut...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review. B, Condensed matter and materials physics Condensed matter and materials physics, 2014-01, Vol.89 (2), Article 024103
Main Authors: Mettout, Bruno, Tolédano, Pierre, Lilienblum, Martin, Fiebig, Manfred
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Combinatorial analysis
Defects
Ferroelectricity
Fluid flow
Formations
Manganites
Polarization
Vortices
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Summary:As a result of the high-temperature improper ferroelectric transition occurring in YMnO sub(3) and other hexagonal manganites, a striking domain pattern was observed: an emergence of six domains of alternating polarization from one point in a vortexlike pattern. We derive the formation and distribution of the domain-vortex network from a combinatorial analysis based on order-parameter symmetry and lattice geometry. The analysis leads to stable vortexlike configurations of the six domain states in the basal plane perpendicular to the polarization and to fragmented vortices in planes parallel to the polarization. The predictions are debated in the light of existing experimental and theoretical work on the vortex domain state. The relation of the symmetry-determined geometrical defects to the topological defects proposed to describe the behavior of YMnO sub(3) near the Curie temperature is discussed.
ISSN:1098-0121
1550-235X
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevB.89.024103