Abstract
The magnetic properties of α-NaFe O2 are studied by neutron-diffraction and magnetization measurements. An ordered phase with spins aligned along the b hex axis exists at low temperatures (T<4 K). At intermediate temperatures (4 K<T<11 K), the system passes through an incommensurate ordered phase before transforming into a short-range-ordered state at higher temperatures that persists up to at least 50 K. Although the short-range ordering does not persist to room temperature according to neutron diffraction, the magnetic susceptibility does not follow the Curie-Weiss behavior, even up to 320 K. This rich magnetic behavior can be understood qualitatively as a competition between different magnetic exchange interactions that are similar in magnitude. The delicate balance between these interactions makes α-NaFe O2 a candidate for more detailed theoretical work to understand magnetic behavior in frustrated magnetic systems.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Article number | 024420 |
Journal | Physical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics |
Volume | 76 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 16 2007 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics