Crystallographic and magnetic structure of the Sr₂MnReO₆ double perovskite

Abstract

The crystal and magnetic structure of the ordered double perovskite Sr2MnReO6 was investigated by neutron diffraction. Monoclinic (space group P 21/n) distortion of the parent cubic double perovskite structure was revealed, and the refined Mn–O–Re bond angles deviate significantly from 180°. The monoclinic distortion produces antisymmetric exchange interactions, leading to a canted magnetic structure, for which a possible model is proposed and refined. No structural transitions were observed upon cooling or in an external magnetic field. Complementary x-ray synchrotron diffraction data support the neutron diffraction findings.