The effect of Er doping on the multiferroics of Ho1−xErxMnO3

The magnetic phase diagram of single-crystalline Ho1−xErxMnO3 below TN (antiferromagnetic transition temperature) is determined by measuring the magnetic susceptibility (χ), specific heat (CP), and dielectric constant (ε). Er doping enhances the P63cm magnetic phase above TSR (spin-reorientation temperature) and therefore decreases TSR. Er doping also reduces the P63cm phase below T2 (rare-earth element ordering temperature). The change of entropy around TSR with Er doping shows that the Er3+-ion spin is ordering at TSR. This ordering helps to narrow the P63cm to P63cm magnetic phase transition and enhance the coupling between the Ho3+/Er3+ and Mn3+ magnetic sublattices, which is shown by the dielectric constant measurements.