Analytical comparison of magnetic and electrical properties using modified Landau theory in bismuth ferrite: Effect of milling

• Authors have synthesised BFO using SSR and mechano-chemical activation technique.
• Asymmetry in magnetic hysteresis loops has been checked through Landau theory.
• The deviation from Landau theory has been attributed to magneto-electric coupling.
• A comparative analysis of magnetic and electrical properties has been done.
• A relation between magnetic and electric polarization has been established.

In this study, authors have synthesized bismuth ferrite using (i) solid state route and (ii) mechano-chemical activation technique. The structural studies reveal the formation of bismuth ferrite of A3−δB5O12A3−δB5O12 type by mechanochemical activation technique and of ABO3 type by conventional solid state route. In addition to the detailed studies on magnetic and electrical properties of both the samples, a comparative analysis has been done using Landau and Berry phase theory. Through this, an effort has been made to establish a relationship between magnetism and electrical polarization vis a vis magneto-electric coupling in these samples.