Abstract
Element-specific x-ray resonant magnetic scattering investigations were performed to determine the magnetic structure of Eu in . In the temperature range from 46 K down to the lowest achievable temperature of 6 K, an incommensurate antiferromagnetic (ICM) structure with a temperature-dependent propagation vector coexists with a commensurate antiferromagnetic (CM) structure. Angular-dependent measurements of the magnetic intensity indicate that the magnetic moments lie in the tetragonal basal plane and are ferromagnetically aligned within the plane for both magnetic structures. The ICM structure is most likely a spiral-like magnetic structure with a turn angle of between adjacent Eu planes in the direction. In the CM structure, this angle is . These results are consistent with band-structure calculations which indicate a strong sensitivity of the magnetic configuration on the Eu valence.
- Received 5 February 2009
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.79.100407
©2009 American Physical Society