Abstract
Based on density-functional calculations, we have studied possible ferroelectric switching path in monodomain single crystal of rhombohedral BiFeO3 , a prototypical multiferroic compound. By carefully studying the behaviors of FeO6 corner-sharing double-tetrahedrons, we find abrupt changes in total energy and oxygen atomic positions, and therefore polarizations, occur in the ferroelectric switching path of rhombohedral BiFeO3 . Detailed analyses suggest that such behavior might be caused by the frustrated magnetic ordering in the paraelectric phase of rhombohedral BiFeO3 , where three O atoms and the Bi atom are in the same plane perpendicular to the polarization direction. This is supported by the fact that the ferroelectric switching for paramagnetic BiFeO3 is smooth and has a much lower energy barrier than that of antiferromagnetic BiFeO3 .
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
