Magnetite: Phonon modes and the Verwey transition

Abstract

Reflectivity and Raman measurements of magnetite at 300, 130, 80, and 6 K are presented. The four infrared-active phonon modes and the five Raman modes exhibit fine structures below the Verwey transition (120 K), which are clearly detected for what may be the first time. A phenomenological analysis of the phonon spectrum at 130 K is performed.