CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC AND MAGNETIC-PROPERTIES OF FE2P

The crystallographic and magnetic properties of Fe2P have been studied by neutron diffraction experiments, magnetization measurements and KK R method for band structure calculations. The measured atomic magnetic moments of tetrahedral Fe(3f) and pyramidal Fe(3g) sites are respecti vely (0.59+/-0.02)mu(B) and (2.22+/-0.01)mu(B), resulting in a net mom ent of (2.82+/-0.03)mu(B). This value is very close to that obtained f rom saturation magnetization measurements (H=150kOe, T=4K) which yield 2.87 mu(B) per formula unit. The results obtained from the KKR method are 0.80, 2.33, -0.03(1), -0.02(8)mu(B) for Fe and P sites respective ly. The values are comparable with the measured atomic magnetic moment s. Thermal evolution of magnetic moments, magnetization at saturation and cell parameters presents a sharp drop at the Curie temperature (21 7+/-2)K indicating a first order ferro - paramagnetic transition.