A phenomenological theory for polarization flop in spiral multiferroic TbMnO3

A phenomenological Landau theory has been used to explain magnetic field-driven polarization flop in TbMnO ₃. The Néel wall-like magnetic structure in spiral multiferroics induces a space-dependent internal magnetic field which exerts a torque on spins to rotate bc-spiral to ab-spiral. The external magnetic field is argued to be competing with easy axis anisotropy and the system stabilizes when anisotropy is minimum. With the help of Landau free energy with DM magnetoelectric coupling and a general ansatz for magnetization, the phenomenon of polarization flop has been explained. Relation between T_flop and critical magnetic field has been established and found to be in good agreement with the experiment. This could be an indication that anisotropy of the system is temperature- and magnetic field-dependent.