Magnetic structure determination of Ca$_3$LiOsO$_6$ using neutron and x-ray scattering

TL;DR

This study uses neutron and x-ray scattering to determine the magnetic structure of Ca$_3$LiOsO$_6$, revealing long-range three-dimensional magnetic order driven by extended superexchange interactions involving two anions.

Contribution

First experimental determination of magnetic structure in Ca$_3$LiOsO$_6$ supporting the extended superexchange interaction model.

Findings

Magnetic correlations appear at 117 K in bulk measurements.

Magnetic structure is long-range and three-dimensional.

Results support the extended superexchange interaction mechanism.

Abstract

We present a neutron and x-ray scattering investigation of Ca$_3$LiOsO$_6$, a material predicted to host magnetic ordering solely through an extended superexchange pathway involving two anions, an interaction mechanism that has undergone relatively little investigation. This contrasts with the ubiquitous superexchange interaction mechanism involving a single anion that has well defined and long standing rules. Despite the apparent 1D nature and triangular units of magnetic osmium ions the onset of magnetic correlations has been observed at a high temperature of 117 K in bulk measurements. We experimentally determine the magnetically ordered structure and show it to be long range and three dimensional. Our results support the model of extended superexchange interaction.