Direct evidence for the magnetic ordering of Nd ions in NdMn$_2$Si$_2$ and NdMn$_2$Ge$_2$ by high resolution inelastic neutron scattering

TL;DR

This study provides direct evidence of Nd ion magnetic ordering in NdMn2Si2 and NdMn2Ge2 using high-resolution inelastic neutron scattering, clarifying previous ambiguous results and revealing differences in their magnetic behavior.

Contribution

It offers the first direct, element-specific evidence of Nd magnetic ordering in these compounds, resolving prior ambiguities from neutron diffraction studies.

Findings

Nd ions exhibit magnetic ordering at low temperatures.

Differences in Nd magnetic ordering processes between the two compounds.

Results align with magnetization and neutron diffraction data.

Abstract

We have investigated the low energy nuclear spin excitations in NdMn$_2$Si$_2$ and NdMn$_2$Ge$_2$ by high resolution inelastic neutron scattering. Previous neutron diffraction investigations gave ambiguous results about Nd magnetic ordering at low temperatures. The present element-specific technique gave direct evidence for the magnetic ordering of Nd ions. We found considerable difference in the process of the Nd magnetic ordering at low temperature in NdMn$_2$Si$_2$ and NdMn$_2$Ge$_2$. Our results are consistent with those of magnetization and recent neutron diffraction measurements.