Neutron diffraction study of TbMnO3: Magnetic structure revisited

Abstract

Magnetic ordering in TbMnO3 was revisited by a neutron diffraction study. In addition to the previously reported A-type and G-type modulated structures with a propagation vector (0,q_Mn,0), we found C-type and F-type orderings of the Mn moments. All the components appear below T_N^Mn = 46 K, and the G, C,and F-type components are enhanced below T_lock = 28 K, where q_Mn ordering locks at its low temperature value. The locking of the propagation vector also yields the squaring up of the spin arrangement. The magnetic moments of Tb ions show a quasi long-range ordering below T_N^Tb = 7 K. It drastically promotes the development of the G, C, and F-type components while suppressing the A-type components.