Coexistence of Ferroelectricity and Antiferromagnetism in Rare Earth Manganese Oxide RMn₂O₅

Abstract

Oxides of the group RMn₂O₅ (R=a rare earth or Y) are simultaneously ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic at low temperatures. The specific features of the phase transitions in this oxide are reviewed with a particular emphasis on the possible interactions between dielectric and magnetic properties.