Muon spin rotation study of V2O3

Abstract

Muon spin rotation (μSR) measurements have been made on V2O3 as a function of temperature and externally applied magnetic field. V2O3 is an insulating antiferromagnet below about 155 K, while above this temperature it is a high-resistivity metal. The conduction arises from the band mechanism where the density of states is quite sensitive to temperature and doping. The local magnetic field, sensed by the positive muon, has been measured from room temperature down to 10 K, with emphasis on the transition region. Clear evidence of the onset of magnetization is provided by a jump in the muon precession frequency. From experiments using an externally applied magnetic field the directions of the internal fields at the muon stop sites are found. This information can be used to determine the muon stop site since the field at this site should be determined primarily by the magnetic dipoles of the V3+ ions. Dynamic effects are observed through the muon spin depolarization. The results obtained for V2O3 are discussed in the light of similar magnetic-oxide μSR studies and of the electric and magnetic properties of V2O3.