Magnetic ordering in GdNi2B2C revisited by resonant x-ray scattering: Evidence for the double-q model

P.S. Nomile, M. Rotter, C. Detlefs, Jens Jensen, P.C. Canfield, J.A. Blanco

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recent theoretical efforts aimed at understanding the nature of antiferromagnetic ordering in GdNi2B2C predicted double-q ordering. Here we employ resonant elastic x-ray scattering to test this theory against the formerly proposed, single-q ordering scenario. Our study reveals a satellite reflection associated with a mixed-order component propagation wave vector, viz., (qa,2qb,0) with qb=q a≈0.55 reciprocal lattice units, the presence of which is incompatible with single-q ordering but is expected from the double-q model. A (3qa,0,0) wave vector (i.e., third-order) satellite is also observed, again in line with the double-q model. The temperature dependencies of these along with that of a first-order satellite are compared with calculations based on the double-q model and reasonable qualitative agreement is found. By examining the azimuthal dependence of first-order satellite scattering, we show the magnetic order to be, as predicted, elliptically polarized at base temperature and find the temperature dependence of the "out of a-b plane" moment component to be in fairly good agreement with calculation. Our results provide qualitative support for the double-q model and thus in turn corroborate the explanation for the "magnetoelastic paradox" offered by this model.

Original languageEnglish
Article number054413
JournalPhysical Review B
Volume88
Issue number5
ISSN2469-9950
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Aug 2013

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