An investigation of the magnetic structure of uranium nitride by neutron diffraction

Abstract

The magnetic structure of uranium nitride at liquid helium temperature has been studied by neutron diffraction. It is found that this substance is anti-ferromagnetic with ordering of the first kind. A value of 0.75 μB has been found for the magnetic moment at a uranium atom, and a form factor curve has been obtained. Good agreement is found between the experimental form factor and a theoretical calculation based on the assumption that the uranium atoms are triply ionized and have a 5f3 configuration.