Temperature-dependent multi-k magnetic structure in multiferroic Co3TeO6

• A complex magnetic order of the multiferroic compound Co(3)TeO(6) has been revealed by neutron powder diffraction studies on ceramics and crushed single crystals. The compound adopts a monoclinic structure (s.g. C2/c) in the studied temperature range 2-300 K but exhibits successive antiferromagnetic transitions at low temperature. Incommensurate antiferromagnetic order with the propagation vector k(1) = (0, 0.485, 0.055) sets in at 26 K. A transition to a second antiferromagnetic structure with k(2) = (0, 0, 0) takes place at 21.1 K. Moreover, a transition to a commensurate antiferromagnetic structure with k(3) = (0, 0.5, 0.25) occurs at 17.4 K. The magnetic structures have been determined by neutron powder diffraction using group theory analysis as a preliminary tool. Different coordinations of the Co(2+) ions involved in the low-symmetry C2/c structure of Co(3)TeO(6) render the exchange-interaction network very complex by itself. The observed magnetic phase transformations are interpreted as an evidence of competing magnetic interactions. The temperature dependent changes in the magnetic structure, derived from refinements of high-resolution neutron data, are discussed and possible mechanisms connected with the spin reorientations are described.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Den kondenserade materiens fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Condensed Matter Physics (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Oorganisk kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Inorganic Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Oxides

Magnetic materials

Crystal structure

Magnetic structure

Inorganic chemistry

Oorganisk kemi

TECHNOLOGY

TEKNIKVETENSKAP

Kemi med inriktning mot oorganisk kemi

Chemistry with specialization in Inorganic Chemistry

Teknisk fysik med inriktning mot fasta tillståndets fysik

Engineering Science with specialization in Solid State Physics

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