Abstract
X-ray scattering by multiferroic is reported. Below 320 K, superstructure reflections indicate an incommensurate charge order with propagation close to . The corresponding charge configuration, also found by electronic structure calculations as most stable, contains polar double layers with antiferroelectric stacking. Diffuse scattering at 360 K, with propagation, indicates ferroelectric short-range correlations between neighboring double layers. The temperature dependence of the incommensuration indicates that charge order and magnetism are coupled.
- Received 22 July 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.227601
©2008 American Physical Society