Sub-terahertz spectroscopy of magnetic resonance in BiFeO3 using a vector network analyzer

Detection of sub-THz spin cycloid resonances (SCRs) of stoichiometric BiFeO3 (BFO) was demonstrated using a vector network analyzer. Continuous wave absorption spectroscopy is possible, thanks to heterodyning and electronic sweep control using frequency extenders for frequencies from 480 to 760 GHz. High frequency resolution reveals SCR absorption peaks with a frequency precision in the ppm regime. Three distinct SCR features of BFO were observed and identified as Psi(1) and Phi(2) modes, which are out-of-plane and in-plane modes of the spin cycloid, respectively. A spin reorientation transition at 200 K is evident in the frequency vs temperature study. The global minimum in linewidth for both Psi modes at 140 K is ascribed to the critical slowing down of spin fluctuations. (C) 2016 Author(s)