Professor Paolo G. Radaelli OSI

Abstract:

We have investigated the spin fluctuations in the langasite compound Ba3NbFe3Si2O14 in both the ordered state and as a function of temperature. The low temperature magnetic structure is defined by a spiral phase characterized by magnetic Bragg peaks at q=(0,0,tau ~ 1/7) onset at TN=27 K as previously reported by Marty et al. The nature of the fluctuations and temperature dependence of the order parameter is consistent with a classical second order phase transition for a two dimensional triangular antiferromagnet. We will show that the physical properties and energy scales including the ordering wavevector, Curie-Weiss temperature, and the spin-waves can be explained through the use of only symmetric exchange constants without the need for the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. This is accomplished through a set of ``helical" exchange pathways along the c direction imposed by the chiral crystal structure and naturally explains the magnetic diffuse scattering which displays a strong vector chirality up to high temperatures well above the ordering temperature. This illustrates a strong coupling between magnetic and crystalline chirality in this compound.

Abstract:

The first-order structural phase transition at TS ∼240 K in the extended kagome antiferromagnet TmBaCo4O7 has been studied by neutron powder diffraction. In order to comprehend the microscopic origin of the transition, a detailed symmetry analysis is performed, based on crystallographic parameters obtained by Rietveld analysis of the neutron data. The results are consistent with the P31c→Pna 21 symmetry lowering and support a displacive nature of the phase transition. The complex tilting pattern of CoO4 tetrahedra in both triangular and kagome sublattices is described based on symmetry-adapted pseudovector distortion modes of the parent P 63mc hexagonal structure. Our analysis reveals that the unusual topology of the crystal structure does not allow CoO4 tetrahedra to rotate as rigid units, resulting in their inevitable distortions, whatever the combination of rotational modes considered. A possible analogy between polyhedral distortions and spin frustration in this system is discussed. © 2009 The American Physical Society.