A magneto–X-ray study of magnetite at 78° K

Abstract

The X-ray diffraction pattern produced by a small single crystal of magnetite after cooling through the transition at 119 K. has been examined. It is demonstrated, by using orientated magnetic fields during the cooling process, that up to six different domain orientations are present in the crystal at 78 K. This number of domain orientations can be produced only if the symmetry of the low-temperature phase of magnetite is orthorhombic or lower.