New type of incommensurate magnetic ordering in Mn3TeO6

TL;DR

This study reveals a novel incommensurate magnetic ordering in Mn3TeO6, featuring complex Mn-chain arrangements and a unique magnetic propagation vector, expanding understanding of magnetic structures in complex oxides.

Contribution

It reports the discovery of a new type of incommensurate magnetic order in Mn3TeO6, combining experimental techniques to elucidate its complex magnetic structure.

Findings

Magnetic order appears below 23 K.

Mn sites split into two magnetically distinct orbits.

Presence of a helix and sine wave magnetic structures.

Abstract

The complex metal oxide Mn3TeO6 exhibits a corundum related structure and has been prepared both in forms of single crystals by chemical transport reactions and of polycrystalline powders by a solid state reaction route. The crystal structure and magnetic properties have been investigated using a combination of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction, electron microscopy, calorimetric and magnetic measurements. At room temperature this compound adopts a trigonal structure, space group R3 with a = 8.8679(1) {\AA}, c = 10.6727(2) {\AA}. A long-range magnetically ordered state is identified below 23 K. An unexpected feature of this magnetic structure is several types of Mn-chains. Under the action of the incommensurate magnetic propagation vector k = [0, 0, 0.4302(1)] the unique Mn site is split into two magnetically different orbits. One orbit forms a perfect helix with the spiral axis along the c-axis while the other orbit has a sine wave character along the c-axis.