Double-exchange model study of multiferroic RMnO3 perovskites

Abstract

In this proceeding, recent theoretical investigations by the authors on the multiferroic RMnO3 perovskites are briefly reviewed at first. Using the double-exchange model, the realistic spiral spin order in undoped manganites such as TbMnO3 and DyMnO3 is well reproduced by incorporating a weak nextnearest neighbor superexchange (∼10% of nearest neighbor superexchange) and moderate Jahn-Teller distortion. The phase transitions from the A-type antiferromagnet (as in LaMnO3), to the spiral phase (as in TbMnO3), and finally to the E-type antiferromagnet (as in HoMnO3), with decreasing size of the R ions, were also explained. Moreover, new results of phase diagram of the three-dimensional lattice are also included. The ferromagnetic tendency recently discovered in the LaMnO3 and TbMnO3 thin films is explained by considering the substrate stress. Finally, the relationship between our double-exchange model and a previously used J1-J2-J3 model is further discussed from the perspective of spin wave excitations.