Inhomogeneous Distribution of the Magnetic Moment in an Antiferromagnetic Metal: NiS_1.4Se_0.6

Abstract

From an analysis of the ⁶¹Ni NMR spectrum of a metallic compound NiS_1.4Se_0.6 observed in the antiferromagnetic state, the magnetic moment distribution of the Ni atoms has been studied. Although the Ni atoms having one or less S atoms in its nearest neighbor are essentially non magnetic, it is indicated that the magnetic moment has an inhomogeneous distribution depending on the configurations of the chalcogen atoms in the nearest neighbors. The average moment for all Ni atoms is estimated to be 0.7 μ_B, which is in good agreement with 0.6 μ_B obtained from neutron diffraction experiment.