The Magnetic Properties of α and β-Li₂Eu₅O₈ and Neutron Diffraction of VTa₂O₆

Abstract

<p>The magnetic susceptibilities of α and β-Li₂Eu₅O₈ powders have been measured. These compounds have ferromagnetic interactions within a chain of Eu²⁺ ions and antiferromagnetic interactions between the chains. The interactions between the chains are very weak and both compounds can be considered to be nearly ideal examples of one dimensional ferromagnets.</p> <p>No three-dimensional ordering was observed in VTa₂O₆ down to a temperature of 10K, contrary to the observation of TN = 24K by Bernier (6). The critical temperature which Bernier observed was probably due to a two-dImensional ordering.</p> <p>The atomic parameters for VTa₂O₆ calculated from the powder neutron data, compare well with the atomic parameters of other trirutiles.</p>