Orientational strain modulation of ferroelectric polarization in multiferroic BiMnO3

We report on the coupling of ferroelectric polarization to externally applied strains in multiferroic BiMnO3. Strains of less than 0.006% increased the remanent polarization by as much as 50% and are shown to depend on the orientation of the uniaxially applied external strain. Using multiple electrode arrays, we rule out the strain-induced rotation of the polarization vector, and confirm the magnitude of the polarization is increasing. Finally, a dielectric characterization determined that the onset of the strain coupling coincides with the relaxor ferroelectric freezing temperature. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.