Structural properties of ErFe O3 in the spin-reorientation region

Abstract

In spin-reorientation transition in orthoferrites the temperature dependence of the magnetization differs from that predicted by conventional mean-field theory. One of the explanations of this discrepancy is based on the assumption that structural changes accompany magnetic transitions. Recently we proposed an explanation of this phenomena based on purely magnetic grounds. In this x-ray study a possible structural change in an ErFe O3 single crystal is probed. Our measurements find no lattice distortions in the spin-reorientation region, thus supporting the purely magnetic nature of spin rotation. © 2005 The American Physical Society.