Neutron diffraction study of NdCrGe3

Abstract

The hexagonal perovskite (BaNiO3-type) structure of NdCrGe3 and its ferromagnetic order at T-C = 122 K have been confirmed by neutron powder diffraction measurements. The magnetic structure is characterized by an axial ferromagnetic arrangement of both the Cr and Nd sublattices below T-C. The relatively high Curie temperature of this compound is mainly driven by the magnetic ordering of the Cr sublattice with Nd-Cr magnetic interactions also playing a role. The magnetic ordering of the Nd sublattice, deduced from the thermal variation of the magnetic moments, occurs at around T approximate to 70 K. The absence of a spin reorientation of the Nd and Cr magnetic order allows us to conclude that the complex magnetic behaviour previously observed at low temperatures in macroscopic magnetic measurements is a consequence of strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy effects. © 2013, Elsevier Ltd.