Multiferroic Studies of RMnO₃ [R = Y, Er, Yb] Hexamanganites Thin Films

Stable, nontoxic, and cost-effective hexagonal RMnO₃ (R = Y, Er, Yb) thin films were synthesized via spray pyrolysis and optimized for structural quality. The hexagonal structure and dense surface morphology were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), consistent with our previous study. Detailed magnetic and ferroelectric characterizations were carried out. All films exhibited clear paramagnetic-to-antiferromagnetic (AFM) transitions. The Neel temperature of all the samples was determined. Room temperature Polarization-Electric field (P-E) hysteresis loops confirmed leaky ferroelectric behavior, influenced by internal bias fields and defect structures. The results demonstrate the coexistence of magnetic and ferroelectric orderings in stable oxide multiferroic material RMnO₃ thin films, underscoring their potential as multiferroic materials for future applications in magnetoelectric sensors, nonvolatile memories, and spintronic devices.