Magnetoelectric control of toroidal moment in ferroaxial crystal PbMn2Ni6Te3O18

Abstract

Ferroic multipole orders break some symmetry and often activate unique physical properties, such as nonreciprocal directional dichroism and linear magnetoelectric effects. Here, we demonstrate the control of magnetic toroidal orientation in PbMn2Ni6Te3O18 through the application of electric and magnetic fields in two distinct configurations. Through directional dichroism, we successfully visualize magnetic ferrotoroidic domains, establishing the intrinsic coupling among magnetic toroidal moment, crystallographic ferroaxial moment, and magnetoelectric monopoles. Our findings not only present an effective pathway for controlling magnetic toroidal moment but also provide a novel approach for investigating ferroaxial ordering.