Magnetic phase separation in EuB6 detected by muon spin rotation

TL;DR

This study uses muon-spin rotation to reveal magnetic phase separation in EuB6, showing two magnetic transitions and the gradual merging of magnetic polarons, advancing understanding of its magnetic properties.

Contribution

First muon-spin rotation measurements on EuB6 demonstrating magnetic phase separation and the role of magnetic polarons in its magnetic transitions.

Findings

Detected two magnetic transitions at 16.5 K and 12.6 K.

Resolved two magnetic environments via muon data.

Provided evidence for magnetic phase separation.

Abstract

We report results of the first muon-spin rotation measurements performed on the low carrier density ferromagnet EuB$_6$. The ferromagnetic state is reached via two magnetic transitions at $T_{\rm m}=16.5$ K and $T_{\rm c}=12.6$ K. Two distinct components are resolved in the muon data, one oscillatory and one non-oscillatory, which arise from different types of magnetic environment, and we have followed the temperature dependence of these components in detail. These results provide evidence for magnetic phase separation and can be interpreted in terms of the gradual coalescing of magnetic polarons.