Crystal and magnetic structures of solid solutions based on BiFeO3

Abstract

The correlation between the multiphase state of the system and its magnetic properties was studied on Bi1–xEuxFeO3 ceramic samples in the range 0.12 ≤ x ≤ 0.18. The X-ray diffraction results indicate that, with an increase in the concentration of Eu ions, a structural transition from the rhombohedral (R3c) to nonpolar orthorhombic (Pnma) phase is observed through the partial formation of an antipolar orthorhombic structure (Pbam). The mixed phase state in the obtained compounds is observed in the range 0.12 ≤ x ≤ 0.16. Magnetic measurements in a strong magnetic field indicate a weak ferromagnetic interaction. The magnetic response in a strong field is explained by the location of the spins at the phase boundary, as well as by the presence of intrinsic antiferromagnetic spins.