The structure of Cd2Os2O7 through the metal–semiconductor transition by powder neutron diffraction

Abstract

Samples of non-absorbing Cd2Os2O7 have been studied using powder neutron diffraction over the temperature range 12–298 K. Lattice parameters show a discontinuity at TMI (225 K) consistent with the transition from low temperature semiconducting to metallic behaviour. Changes in structural features occur in the range 12–225 K with a decrease in the Os–O bond lengths and formation of slightly more regular OsO6 octahedra. No evidence of long range magnetic ordering was observed down to 12 K.