Relaxor-super-paraelectric behaviour and crystal-field-driven spin-phonon coupling in pyrochlore Eu2Ti2O7

Abstract

The temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy and dielectric property of pyrochlore Eu2Ti2O7 have been investigated. The appearance of additional phonon modes below 200 K is observed suggesting a local structural change. The anomalous softening of the phonon modes and existence of crystal-field-induced short-range magnetic ordering below 150 K unveiled the possible spin-phonon coupling. The signature behaviour of a dipolar glassy-relaxor state and super-paraelectric nature has been demonstrated. Additional dielectric anomaly at lower temperature, below 40 K, related to spin-spin correlation has also been reported. © 2022 EPLA