Journal Article

FZJ-2026-05520

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Magnetic excitation spectrum and the hierarchy of the magnetic interactions in ErFeO$_3$

Bhosale, D. R. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Fabrykiewicz, P.FZJ*RWTH* ; Adroja, D.Extern* ; Meven, M. (Collaboration author)FZJ*RWTH* ; Schneidewind, A. (Collaboration author)FZJ* ; Stękiel, M. (Collaboration author)FZJ*

2026
Inst. Woodbury, NY

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1103/m41l-7jkp  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2026-05520

Abstract: We report a comprehensive investigation of the excitation spectrum of ErFeO$_3$ orthoferrite by means of time-of-flight neutron spectroscopy. The spectrum consists of two distinct components: strongly dispersive spin wave excitations of the Fe$^{3+}$ sublattice spanning ≈9 – 65 meV, and crystal electric field (CEF) excitations of Er$^{3+}$ ions below 36 meV. The observed spin wave dispersions and spectral weight are well captured within linear spin wave theory, enabling extraction of the key Fe-Fe exchange parameters. Low-energy incident neutrons with their enhanced energy resolution, further revealed the dispersive character and splitting of Kramers-degenerate CEF levels. We show that the dispersion is caused by the exchange coupling between Er$^{3+}$ ions, while the degeneracy is lifted by interactions between the Er$^{3+}$ and Fe$^{3+}$ sublattices. We further explore the influence of dipolar and antisymmetric exchange interactions with the focus on the magnetic ground state of ErFeO$_3$, with particular attention to the low-temperature spin arrangement. Taken together, our results provide a detailed account of the spin dynamics in ErFeO$_3$ and reveal a hierarchy of interactions scales characteristic for orthoferrites.

Keyword(s): Magnetic Materials (1st) ; Condensed Matter Physics (2nd) ; Magnetism (2nd) ; Crystallography (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS-FRM-II)
2. JCNS-4 (JCNS-4)
3. JARA-FIT (JARA-FIT)
4. Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ)

Research Program(s):

1. 6G4 - Jülich Centre for Neutron Research (JCNS) (FZJ) (POF4-6G4) (POF4-6G4)
2. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)
3. GNeuS - Global Neutron Scientists (101034266) (101034266)

Experiment(s):

1. Measurement at external facility
2. ILL-IN12: Cold neutron 3-axis spectrometer

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Electronics and Telecommunications Collection ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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