Neutron powder diffraction and magnetic measurements on CsMnI3

Results of neutron powder diffraction and magnetic measurements on single crystals of CsMnI₃ are reported. Three-dimensional ordering takes place at T_c = 11.1(3) K. Above T_c very broad peaks occur in the neutron powder diffraction diagram, indicating one-dimensional correlations along the chain. Below T_c the Mn²⁺ ions are coupled antiferromagnetically along the chain. Interchain exchange leads to a 120° structure, slightly distorted due to anisotropy. One-third of the chains have their magnetic moment parallel to the c axis and the rest of the chains have magnetic moments making an angle of 50(2)° with the c axis. The magnetic moment as found from neutron diffraction extrapolated to 0 K is 3.7(1)μ_B, indicating a considerable zero-point spin reduction. The intrachain exchange $\text{J}\text{k}$ was found to be ?9.1(1)K, whereas the ratio of the inter- to intrachain interaction was determined as $\text{J′}\text{J}\text{= × 10}{}^{\mathrm{?3}}$. A spin flop occurs at H = 54 kOe on application of a magnetic field parallel to the c axis. When a field perpendicular to the c axis is applied a spin reorientation occurs at 1 kOe.