Magnetoelectric properties of some rare earth molybdates

Abstract
We observed the spontaneous electric polarization reversal induced by the magnetic field of 100 kOe at 78 K in single crystal samples of orthorhombic β'-phases of Tb2(MoO4)3 and TbGd(MoO4)3. We explained this effect by magnetoelastic coupling between the magnetic and electric subsystems in a crystal. This explanation was confirmed by magnetostriction measurements at 78 K in pulsed magnetic fields up to 150 kOe. Photoluminescence spectra of Tb2(MoO4)3 were measured. There are lines in the spectra with a strong dependence of intensity on polarization.