Crystal structures of spin-Jahn-Teller-ordered MgCr2O4 and ZnCr2O4

J Phys Condens Matter. 2013 Aug 14;25(32):326001. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/25/32/326001. Epub 2013 Jul 12.

Abstract

Magnetic ordering in the geometrically frustrated magnetic oxide spinels MgCr2O4 and ZnCr2O4 is accompanied by a structural change that helps to relieve the frustration. Analysis of high-resolution synchrotron x-ray scattering reveals that the low-temperature structures are well described by a two-phase model of tetragonal I41/amd and orthorhombic Fddd symmetries. The Cr4 tetrahedra of the pyrochlore lattice are distorted at these low-temperatures, with the Fddd phase displaying larger distortions than the I41/amd phase. The spin-Jahn-Teller distortion is approximately one order of magnitude smaller than is observed in first-order Jahn-Teller spinels such as NiCr2O4 and CuCr2O4. In analogy with NiCr2O4 and CuCr2O4, we further suggest that the precise nature of magnetic ordering can itself provide a second driving force for structural change.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't