Magnetic Structure and Spin Reorientation Transition in ScMnO3

The magnetic structure of ScMnO3was investigated using polycrystalline samples. Bulk magnetic measurements were carried out revealing a Neel temperature of 130 K, followed by two maxima at 58 K and 40 K. The high-temperature data indicate strong antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn3+ions in the form of a large, negativeθ=−943(7) K. Powder neutron diffraction as a function of temperature disclosed magnetic long-range ordering below 130 K, where the chemical and magnetic unit cell have the same volume. A 120° magnetic structure was found consistent with the triangular Mn3+sublattice and frustrated antiferromagnetic nearest neighbor coupling. The orientation of the magnetic spins is temperature dependent below 70 K.