X-RAY-DIFFRACTION IN MAGNETIC-FIELDS

A method to determine the direction of magnetization in polycrystallin e materials was developed using X-ray powder diffraction under an exte rnal magnetic field. The application of the magnetic field to the powd ered sample induces a preferred orientation. By observing the changes in the line intensities as a consequence, the direction of spontaneous magnetization within the lattice can be determined in the case of a f erro- or ferrimagnetic arrangement. Since the sample holder with the p ermanent magnet is mounted on the cold finger of a flow cryostat, it i s also possible to observe a change in direction of spontaneous magnet ization as a function of the temperature.