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Pressure-induced structural transition in LuFe2O4: towards a new charge ordered state
J Rouquette1, J Haines, A Al-Zein
1Institut Charles Gerhardt UMR CNRS 5253, Équipe Chimie et Cristallochimie des Matériaux, Université Montpellier II, Place Eugène Bataillon, cc1503, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France. jerome.rouquette@univ-montp2.fr
Physical Review Letters
|January 15, 2011
Summary
High pressure transforms lutetium ferrite (LuFe2O4) from rhombohedral to orthorhombic. This irreversible change creates a new supercell structure, suggesting a charge-ordered state in the electronic ferroelectric material.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Crystallography
Background:
- Lutetium ferrite (LuFe2O4) exhibits electronic ferroelectric properties.
- Understanding structural phase transitions under external stimuli is crucial for materials design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural response of lutetium ferrite to applied pressure.
- To characterize the pressure-induced phase transition and resulting crystal structure.
Main Methods:
- X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to study lutetium ferrite under varying pressure conditions.
- A combination of electron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction was utilized to determine the supercell structure.
Main Results:
- Pressure induces an irreversible structural transition from a rhombohedral to an orthorhombic phase.
- The transition results in the formation of a novel supercell structure.
- Resistivity measurements support the proposed charge-ordered nature of the new configuration.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a pressure-induced, irreversible phase transition in lutetium ferrite.
- A new supercell structure, likely charge-ordered, is formed under pressure.
- These findings provide insights into the complex behavior of electronic ferroelectrics.
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