A neutron diffraction study of RMn2O5multiferroics

The magnetic properties of RMn 2 O 5 multiferroics as obtained by unpolarized and polarized neutron diffraction experiments are reviewed. We discuss the qualitative features of the magnetic phase diagram in both zero magnetic field and in field and analyze the commensurate magnetic structure and its coupling to an applied electric field. The origin of ferroelectricity is discussed based on calculations of the ferroelectric polarization predicted by different microscopic coupling mechanisms (exchange-striction and cycloidal spin–orbit models). A minimal model containing a small set of parameters is also presented in order to understand the propagation of the magnetic structure along the c -direction.