Evolution of antiferromagnetic domains in the all-in-all-out ordered pyrochlore Nd2Zr2 O7

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • L. Opherden - , Chair of Physics of High Magnetic Fields, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • J. Hornung - , Chair of Physics of High Magnetic Fields, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • T. Herrmannsdörfer - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • J. Xu - , Helmholtz Centre Berlin for Materials and Energy, Technical University of Berlin (Author)
  • A. T.M.N. Islam - , Helmholtz Centre Berlin for Materials and Energy (Author)
  • B. Lake - , Helmholtz Centre Berlin for Materials and Energy, Technical University of Berlin (Author)
  • J. Wosnitza - , Chair of Physics of High Magnetic Fields, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)

Abstract

We report the observation of magnetic domains in the exotic, antiferromagnetically ordered all-in-all-out state of Nd2Zr2O7, induced by spin canting. The all-in-all-out state can be realized by Ising-like spins on a pyrochlore lattice and is established in Nd2Zr2O7 below 0.31 K for external magnetic fields up to 0.14 T. Two different spin arrangements can fulfill this configuration which leads to the possibility of magnetic domains. The all-in-all-out domain structure can be controlled by an external magnetic field applied parallel to the [111] direction. This is a result of different spin canting mechanisms for the two all-in-all-out configurations for such a direction of the magnetic field. The change of the domain structure is observed through a hysteresis in the magnetic susceptibility. No hysteresis occurs, however, in the case the external magnetic field is applied along [100].

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number184418
JournalPhysical Review B
Volume95
Issue number18
Publication statusPublished - 15 May 2017
Peer-reviewedYes