Does the modulated magnetic structure of BiFeO₃change at low temperatures?

Abstract

High resolution neutron powder diffraction has been applied to verify the model of distorted cycloidal magnetic modulation proposed on the basis of NMR studies of the multiferroic BiFeO3 in Zalesskii et al (2000 Europhys. Lett. 50 547). Our experimental results do not support the model of magnetic modulation given by Zalesskii et al for BiFeO3 at 4 K. Neutron diffraction patterns recorded at ambient temperature and 4 K agree with the cycloidal magnetic modulation model for BiFeO3 proposed by Sosnowska et al (1982 J. Phys. C: Solid State Phys. 15 4835). Present neutron diffraction results are compared with BiFeO3 NMR and Mössbauer literature data.