Spin-phonon coupling in Y2NiMnO6 double perovskite probed by Raman spectroscopy

Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy measurements in Y2NiMnO6 ceramics were performed in the 20 K-850 K range. A detailed analysis of the temperature dependence of the phonon energy of the oxygen octahedra stretching mode shows an anomalous softening below the Curie temperature. This effect was ascribed to a spin-phonon coupling, suggesting that the oxygen octahedra stretching vibrational mode stabilizes the magnetic interaction. The observed spin-phonon coupling is stronger than those reported in other Re2NiMnO6 double perovskites, suggesting that the rare earth ionic radius is not the unique parameter influencing the magnitude of this effect. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.