Influence of magnetic order on phonon spectra of multiferroic orthorhombic YMnO3

We perform a first-principles study of lattice dynamics in the low-temperature P 2 1 nm phase of orthorhombic YMnO3. By considering several possible antiferromagnetic types, we show how magnetic ordering of the system affects its vibrational properties. We find that the experimentally observed magnetic E-type corresponds to the most energetically favorable state and yields phonon spectra, which are consistent with experimental observations. The influence of on-site Coulomb correlations on phonon spectra is also examined. Such effects produce noticeable changes in the spectra and provide a step toward a more accurate description of lattice dynamics in YMnO3.