Charge and spin density in the iron borides

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Abstract
The spin density distribution in the ferromagnetic alloy FeB has been determined from neutron diffraction measurements. Features are: an aspherical distribution of magnetization density around the iron atoms. Particular features found in the study are a moment of 0.95 mu B associated with the iron atoms, an interaction between minority spin 3d and boron 2sp electrons and a weak magnetization density which can be associated with a covalent interaction along the boron chain. The result of the study is not consistent with the rigid band model which is commonly used to explain the properties of the iron borides. An alternative model for the electronic structures is proposed.