Evidence for a Magnetic Collapse in the Epsilon Phase of Solid Oxygen

Igor N. Goncharenko
Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 205701 – Published 23 May 2005

Abstract

Solid oxygen is the only elementary molecular magnet. Under the very high pressure of 96 GPa oxygen transforms into a metal and a superconductor. Theory predicts a nonmagnetic state occurring before the transition into the superconducting ξ phase. Nevertheless, until now there was no direct evidence of a magnetic collapse in high-pressure oxygen. For the first time direct information is provided on magnetic properties of the ε phase, which is sandwiched between the antiferromagnetic δ phase and the superconducting ξ phase. We used magnetic neutron diffraction. The data show that the long-range magnetic order disappears at the δε transition. The magnetic collapse occurs at P8GPa, far below the pressure of the insulator-metal (superconductor) transition. The collapse is preceded by a decrease in temperature of transition towards the long-range magnetically ordered state (TLRO) in the δ phase, at P=7.6GPa.

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  • Received 21 January 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.205701

©2005 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Igor N. Goncharenko

  • Laboratoire Léon Brillouin C.E.A-C.N.R.S, CEA Saclay, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France

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Issue

Vol. 94, Iss. 20 — 27 May 2005

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