Colossal magnetodielectric effect and spin flop in magnetoelectric Co4Nb2O9 crystal

Abstract

We have investigated the detailed magnetic, magnetoelectric (ME), magnetodielectric (MD) and thermal expansion properties in Co4Nb2O9 crystal. A magnetic-field-induced spin flop was observed below antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition temperature TN. Dielectric constant at applied magnetic field nearly diverges around the AFM transition, giving rise to a colossal MD effect as high as ∼138% around TN. Theoretical analysis of the ME and MD data revealed a major contribution of critical spin fluctuation to the colossal MD effect in Co4Nb2O9. These results suggest that linear ME materials with large ME coupling might be potentially used to realize large MD effect for future application.