Spin-flop and incommensurate structures in magnetic ferroelectrics

Abstract

Incommensurate structures in uniaxial magnetic ferroelectrics are theoretically investigated. Two different phases called “easy-axis like” and “easy-plane like” have been found. The transition between them is compared with the xylspin-flop” in antiferromagnets. The critical field is obtained. The second derivative of the susceptibility with respect to the magnetic field is shown to have the jump at the critical field. The effect of higher order anisotropy is discussed.