Magnetic Properties of a Non-Stoichiometric Zn–Mn–Fe Spinel

Abstract

Magnetic properties of single crystals of the non-stoichiometric spinel Zn_0.36Mn_0.57Fe_2.07O₄ have been studied by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. The divalent Fe ions are located only at octahedral sites. The cation distribution was deduced from a spectrum taken with a large magnetic field applied to the sample. A value of the lattice constant was calculated from the distribution and is consistent with a value measured by X-ray diffraction. The magnetic moments of Fe ions are shown to be collinear. Mössbauer spectra confirm that below about 240 K the easy magnetic axis is along the [111] direction. A significant influence of residual stress anisotropy on the intensities of Zeeman lines is observed at temperatures close to 240 K.