Linear Magnetoelectric Effect in Topological Antiferromagnet Cu$_3$TeO$_6$

We report on linear magnetoelectric effect observed by the static electric polarization measurements in external magnetic field up to 12 T on topological multidomain antiferromagnet Cu$_3$TeO$_6$. The polarization is non-zero only below the N\'{e}el temperature and for $\mathbf{E}\perp \mathbf{H}$. The magnetization data show spin reorientation taking place already in $H<$1 T. This is fully captured by the anisotropic Heisenberg spin Hamiltonian, revealing the change of the magnetic point group from $\bar{3}$' in the ground state to $m$ in the applied magnetic field, in agreement with the observed magnetoelectric effect. Both point groups allow the ferrotoroidic order which could be a source of magnetoelectric effect in this system. Our results establish Cu$_3$TeO$_6$ as a playground for the study of magnetoelectric topological antiferromagnets and a host of several phenomena which are of interest for future spintronic devices.