Magnetic structures of actinide materials by pulsed neutron diffraction (invited)

Abstract

We describe some attempts to observe magnetic structure in various actinide (5f-electron) materials. Our experimental technique is neutron powder diffraction as practiced at a spallation (pulsed) neutron source. We will discuss our investigations of α-Pu, δ-Pu, α-UD3, and β-UD3. β-UD3 is a simple ferromagnet: Surprisingly, the moments on the two nonequivalent uranium atoms are the same within experimental error. α-UD3, α-Pu, and δ-Pu are nonmagnetic, within the limits of our observations. Our work with pulsed neutron diffraction shows that it is a useful technique for research on magnetic materials.