Incommensurate magnetic ground state revealed by RXS in the frustrated spin system Ca3Co2O6
Abstract
We have performed a resonant x-ray scattering study at the Co pre-K edge on a single crystal of Ca3Co2O6. The measurements reveal an abrupt transition to a magnetically ordered state immediately below TN = 25 K, with a magnetic correlation length in excess of 5500 along the c-axis chains. There is no evidence for modifications to the Co3+ spin state. A temperature dependent modulation in the magnetic order along the c-axis and an unusual decrease in the magnetic correlation lengths on cooling are observed. The results are compatible with the onset of a partially disordered antiferromagnetic structure in Ca3Co2O6.
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