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Magnetic structure in iron borates RFe(3)(BO(3))(4) (R = Er, Pr): a neutron diffraction and magnetization study
C Ritter1, A Vorotynov, A Pankrats
1Institut Laue-Langevin, Boite Postale 156, F-38042 Grenoble, France. ritter@ill.fr
Summary
We studied magnetic structures in iron borates RFe(3)(BO(3))(4) using neutron diffraction. Rare earth anisotropy influences magnetic ordering and moment directions in PrFe(3)(BO(3))(4) and ErFe(3)(BO(3))(4).
Area of Science:
- Solid State Physics
- Materials Science
- Magnetism
Background:
- Iron borates RFe(3)(BO(3))(4) are complex magnetic materials.
- Understanding their magnetic structures and transitions is crucial for materials design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate crystallographic and low-temperature magnetic structures of RFe(3)(BO(3))(4) (R = Pr, Er).
- To elucidate the role of rare earth anisotropy in magnetic ordering and transitions.
Main Methods:
- Neutron diffraction measurements.
- Susceptibility and magnetization measurements (for R = Er).
Main Results:
- PrFe(3)(BO(3))(4) orders antiferromagnetically at 32 K (τ = [0 0 3/2]).
- ErFe(3)(BO(3))(4) orders antiferromagnetically at 40 K (τ = [0 0 1/2]).
- Rare earth anisotropy dictates moment directions: easy-axis for Pr, easy-plane for Er.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic ordering of rare earth sublattices occurs simultaneously with Fe-sublattice polarization.
- No spin reorientations were observed, but a minority phase with a 120° Er-moment arrangement appears in ErFe(3)(BO(3))(4) below 10 K.
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