Model-free reconstruction of magnetic correlations in frustrated magnets

TL;DR

This paper introduces a direct, model-free method to reconstruct magnetic correlations in frustrated magnets using neutron scattering data, bypassing the need for atomic structure assumptions.

Contribution

The authors develop a 3D difference pair distribution function analysis technique for magnetic correlations, applicable directly to experimental data in frustrated magnetic systems.

Findings

Revealed nearest-neighbor antiferromagnetic correlations in bixbyite (Mn1-xFex)2O3

Correlations extend up to approximately 15 Å

Method allows direct analysis without atomic structure assumptions

Abstract

Frustrated magnetic systems exhibit extraordinary physical properties but quantification of their magnetic correlations poses a serious challenge to experiment and theory. Current insight into frustrated magnetic correlations relies on modelling techniques such as reverse Monte Carlo methods, which require knowledge about the exact ordered atomic structure. Here we present a method for direct reconstruction of magnetic correlations in frustrated magnets by three-dimensional difference pair distribution function analysis of neutron total scattering data. The methodology is applied to the disordered frustrated magnet bixbyite, (Mn1-xFex)2O3, which reveals nearest-neighbor antiferromagnetic correlations for the metal sites up to a range of approximately 15 {\AA}. Importantly, this technique allows for magnetic correlations to be determined directly from the experimental data without any assumption about the atomic structure.