Magnetoelectric coupling at the domain level in polycrystalline hexagonal ErMnO3

Abstract

We explore the impact of a magnetic field on the ferroelectric domain pattern in polycrystalline hexagonal ErMnO3 at cryogenic temperatures. Utilizing piezoelectric force microscopy measurements at 1.65 K, we observe modifications of the topologically protected ferroelectric domain structure induced by the magnetic field. These alterations likely result from strain induced by the magnetic field, facilitated by intergranular coupling in polycrystalline multiferroic ErMnO3. Our findings give insights into the interplay between electric and magnetic properties at the domain scale and represent a so far unexplored pathway for manipulating topologically protected ferroelectric vortex patterns in hexagonal manganites.