Polarized-neutron-scattering study of the spin-wave excitations in the 3-kordered phase of uranium antimonide

Abstract

The anisotropy of magnetic fluctuations propagating along the [1 1 0] direction in the ordered phase of uranium antimonide has been studied using polarized inelastic neutron scattering. The observed polarization behavior of the spin waves is a natural consequence of the longitudinal 3-k magnetic structure; together with recent results on the 3-k-transverse uranium dioxide, these findings establish this technique as an important tool to study complex magnetic arrangements. Selected details of the magnon excitation spectra of USb have also been reinvestigated, indicating the need to revise the currently accepted theoretical picture for this material.

Synchrotron x-ray scattering of magnetic and electronic structure of UN and U2N3 epitaxial films

“…way to distinguish these two possibilities is by analysis of the polarization of the spin waves, a complicated neutron inelastic experiment performed only so far for UO 2 [24] and USb [25], both 3k systems.…”

“…It is possible, therefore, that the true state of the magnetic configuration is 3k, where a tetragonal distortion would not be expected. The only unique way to distinguish these two possibilities is by analysis of the polarization of the spin waves, a complicated neutron inelastic experiment performed only so far for UO 2 [24] and USb [25], both 3k systems.…”