Neutron-Diffraction Study of MnSn2

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Abstract
MnSn 2 undergoes an abrupt transition at ∼74°K from an alternating-sheet antiferromagnetic structure (+ − + −) to a double-sheet structure (+ + − −). The propagation vector as well as the AF spin axis are directed along [110] in both structures. Neutron-intensity measurements on bulk samples confirm the sharpness of the transition as well as the hysteresis observed in the susceptibility and resistivity measurements of Kouvel and Hartelius. No change in the magnitude of the ordered AF moment is observed in passing through the transition. In the neighborhood of 90°K, however, weak satellite reflections appear, indicating the presence of a small modulated spin component. The extra reflections vanish abruptly at the transition and exhibit the same hysteresis shown by the main AF component. The diffraction data are consistent with a modulated spin of amplitude ∼0,5 μB oriented parallel to the AF spin axis [110] and propagated perpendicular to this direction [110] with a wavelength of ∼31 Å. This result is discussed in relation to the model of Kouvel and Jacobs.

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