Entangled spin-charge-lattice coupling driven multiferroicity in polar with a buckled hexagonal Co lattice
Phys. Rev. B 114, 094401 – Published 3 August, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/1jhd-djp6
Abstract
Cobalt-based systems provide a unique platform in which strong spin–orbit coupling entangles spin, charge, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom, leading to pronounced multiferroic behavior. In the present study, magnetic-ordering-enhanced ferroelectricity is observed in flux-grown polar single crystals. Synchrotron x-ray diffraction confirms a noncentrosymmetric polar Cm structure, where ions form buckled hexagonal layers along the axis. Magnetic susceptibility and heat-capacity measurements reveal strong anisotropy with two antiferromagnetic transitions at T and T. Neutron diffraction reveals a noncollinear magnetic structure mainly confined to the plane, with a finite canting component along the axis. The three Co ions form a triangular network connected by alternating corner- and edge-sharing units, generating quasihexagonal rings in the plane. Dielectric constant, pyroelectric, and second-harmonic-generation measurements show clear magnetoelectric anomalies at both magnetic transitions. Synchrotron x-ray diffraction further identifies local lattice distortions near T, indicating significant magnetoelastic coupling. Berry-phase calculations based on density-functional theory suggest that the absence of inversion symmetry, together with the frustrated triangular Co lattice, stabilizes a noncollinear antiferromagnetic structure. Magnetic ordering enhances spin–spin correlations, activates spin–lattice coupling, and induces a finite Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction, resulting in modulation of the electric polarization.