Magnetic interactions in R6Mn23 rare earth intermetallics

Abstract

Polarized neutron experiments on a single crystal of Y6Mn23 give evidence for a ferrimagnetic arrangement of Mn atoms. The value of the Mn moment depends on the crystallographic site. Magnetization measurements at low temperature suggest non-collinear magnetic structures for single crystals of Gd6Mn23, Dy6Mn23, and Er6Mn23. The non-collinearity results from the effects of negative R-R interactions and the crystal field.