Neutron diffraction, Mössbauer effect and electron paramagnetic resonance studies on multiferroic Pb(Fe2/3W1/3)O3

Abstract

Multiferroic Pb(Fe2/3W1/3)O3 ceramics were synthesized via a modified two-stage Columbite method. Single phase formation was confirmed from the analysis of x-ray and neutron diffraction patterns recorded at room temperature. Structural analysis of the diffraction data reveals cubic phase (space group Pm-3m) for the title compound. Magnetic structure of the title compound at room temperature exhibits G-type antiferromagnetic structure. The Mössbauer spectroscopy and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) studies were carried out at 300 K. The isomer shift and quadrupole splitting of the Mössbauer spectra confirms the trivalent state of iron (Fe3+). The Mössbauer spectra also suggest that the iron and tungsten are randomly distributed at the octahedral, B site. EPR spectra show a single broad line associated with Fe3+ ions. Both spectra clearly exhibit weak ferromagnetic behaviour of Pb(Fe2/3W1/3)O3 ceramic at 300 K. Considering neutron diffraction, Mössbauer and EPR results together, it may be stated here that Pb(Fe2/3W1/3)O3 exhibits antiferromagnetic behavior along with weak ferromagnetism at room temperature.